There are a number of people who advise their friends, or family about weight loss, without any real prior knowledge. The say what they think is right, or what (in their opinion) is propagated as correct. Discussed below are a couple of such myths, and the truth behind them.
Speeding up your metabolism by dieting: Metabolism cannot be altered purely by diets. It is a myth that fruits provide extra energy, and other such. Exercise is the main thing that can cause an increase in metabolism. Diets that are very strict can, in fact, be contradictory to their purpose. If enough calories are not consumed, or enough food is not taken, a person can suffer from a loss of energy, and won’t be able to exercise.
Skipping meals is good: Your metabolism can actually be slowed down if you skip a meal. People who skip meals are seen to weigh more than those who don’t, because their hunger builds up, and they then tend to over eat later on to make up for what they didn’t have earlier. The better way to do it is to take smaller portions, and find low calorie alternatives to higher ones.
Fats are bad: This, again, is not entirely true, as some fats are good for the system. Every person needs a little fat in their diet in order to be healthy. Trans fats and saturated fats should be avoided, but unsaturated fats are good. Foods like fish, nuts, and olive oil, can actually do your weight and your health good.
I inherited my weight: Relatives are seen to have similar body structures, but that does not directly mean that it is necessary that you will be obese just because your parents/ grandparents are. Dieting and Exercising will have no less effect on you than they do any other person, and so giving up because of this would just be an excuse.
Carbohydrates are bad: This again rules out a whole food group from your diet which is not advisable. Refined Carbohydrates should be avoided as often as possible, but foods like Bread, Rice, Pasta, and Cereal can all be a part of a healthy, balanced diet plan. A smart decision would be to pick complex carbs, such as whole grain to over processed items (white bread an example here) whenever possible.
There are numerous other myths as well. The few discussed here are the most popular of the lot.
