5 Weight Loss Myths You Need To Know

If you are confused about how to lose weight you are not alone. There are a number of myths within the world of health and fitness. This article highlights five misconceptions about losing weight that need to go away.

1. You Should Never Skip Meals

There is no truth in the idea that eating frequently speeds up your metabolism. For some, it will help control their appetite, while others may find having slightly larger meals less often is more effective and helps with satiety.

Skipping breakfast and having your first meal around midday is fine. As is cutting out snacks and having 2/3 bigger meals per day. It has no effect on how much fat you will burn.

The best method is the one you’ll stick to, so pick a meal frequency that suits your schedule and lifestyle.

2. You Shouldn’t Eat Carbs After 6 pm

Despite what you may have read, carbohydrates do not turn into body fat after 6 pm.

The time you eat carbs makes no difference whatsoever to your weight. Consuming too many calories is the cause.

If you train in the evening it’s important to refuel with carbohydrate post workout. Use this time to enjoy the carbs you love, you've earned them! Just ensure you are consuming the right amount in relation to the other macronutrients, proteins and fats.

3. You Need To Count Calories

While counting calories is an effective weight loss method, for most people it is just not realistic. For many, it can be discouraging and leads to frustration. Having to account for every calorie that passes your lips is hard work. There are too many variables to consider and it’s extremely time-consuming.

The answer? Consume a mainly unprocessed whole food diet. Fill 1/2 your plate with veggies and greens, 1/4 with protein, and 1/4 with a good choice of carbohydrate. Eat when you’re hungry, not out of habit or boredom, and stop when you begin to feel full. Drink 2-3 litres of water a day to add satiety.

Stick to these rules 90% of the time and treat yourself the remainder. This helps to prevent blowouts and stops you obsessing over your favourite foods.

4. Fat Should Be Avoided

Not all fats are bad. Healthy fats have an important role to play. They are essential for brain function and cell growth, hormone production, and helping the body absorb nutrients.

Salmon, tuna, avocado, nuts and nut butter's, chia/sunflower seeds, ground flaxseed and dark chocolate are all good sources.

So what are the unhealthy fats? You should always avoid trans fats. They will be listed on food labels as ‘partially hydrogenated oils’. They increase your risk of developing heart disease and stroke and are associated with a higher risk of type 2 diabetes.

5. You Need To Do Lots Of Cardio

While regular cardio is great for overall health it is not an effective tool with regards to weight loss. To lose weight at a decent rate (around two pounds per week) you’d need to burn 1000 extra calories per day. This would take a tremendous amount of time and effort on the treadmill or bike and for most people, it is not realistic.

A balanced diet coupled with resistance training, such as lifting weights, bodyweight exercises, circuit training etc, is optimal for weight loss.

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If you need help with your fitness and weight loss goals check out my free ebook. It has been written specifically for busy mums and dads who want to get in shape without having to diet or kill themselves with ridiculous workouts.

John

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