If you’re just starting out on your weight loss journey, you may be finding the amount of information a bit overwhelming and leaving you not sure what is right and what is wrong.
While there is a lot of helpful information on the web to guide you through a successful lifestyle change, these 4 myths are ones you should be aware of to make sure you don’t fall into the trap:
If I’m exercising I can eat whatever I want: Exercise doesn’t give you a get out of jail free pass. In fact, many people have misconceptions about how many calories they are burning when they exercise and actually end up eating more than they burned. An hour of running, at a moderate intensity would only burn around 250 calories – this probably isn’t even enough to burn off your breakfast. Instead, exercising requires you to eat the right foods to keep your body fuelled so that you are able to exercise effectively and continue to lose the weight like you are after.
Gluten free, or vegan automatically means it is good for me and will help in weight loss: As a vegan, I have people say to me all the time, “What are some good vegan foods? I’m going vegan so I can lose weight.” Being vegan, or eating foods labeled vegan, gluten free (or any other diet specificity) does not necessarily mean you will lose weight or that they are any better for you. Many foods that are vegan or gluten free have lots of added sugar and fillers to make them taste like their non-altered counterparts and this adds up to extra calories and not so good options you are putting into your body. Instead, if you are choosing to go vegan, or gluten free, opt for natural alternatives, like beans and legumes or quinoa, not simply replacements like face meats and gluten free breads.
Cardio is always the answer: Many people decide they want to lose weight, and start running, or working out on the elipitcal at the gym. After a few months, they wonder why they are no longer losing weight, despite their daily cardio work. While it’s true that cardio exercises burn calories, are good for your heart and aid in weight loss, your body is smart and after you do it long enough, it gets used to it, and stops yielding the same results. In terms of weight loss, this means, you will stop losing weight, or lose weight much slower if you continue to do the same thing. Instead, mix up your fitness routine, add in some strength training, and vary your cardio intensity. All of these variations will ensure your body doesn’t get used to what you are doing, and stay at the same weight.
I can just take a supplement for that: Supplements are not a replacement for a clean diet and a healthy lifestyle. If your diet is poor, you are eating sugary foods, and not helping your body function optimally, no amount of supplements are going to fix this. Supplements are designed to do just that: supplement your already healthy diet in areas where it may be lacking, or during times of your life where it may be under stress. For example, when you are having a particularly stressful month at work, you can take a B complex, as these are the stress vitamins and you may need a boost while you whether through the stress. Ideally though, you should deal with the stress, and then go off the vitamins, and maintain a lower stress lifestyle. Don’t look for vitamins and supplements to act as a replacement for bad habits, or as a way to fix your unhealthy food choices. You’ll just end up disappointed with the results!
By: Laura Peill – (Check out her blog Chronicles of Passion & Facebook)
