Some weight loss myths and truths
I spend a lot of time on
weight loss message boards to keep abreast of the latest
conversations, diets, and weight loss happenings.
One thing that
I have noticed from reading these boards is that there are a
lot of weight loss misconceptions out there.
With the multitude of
diet pills, diets, exercise programs, gadgets and gizmos
that advertising bombards us with daily – it is no wonder we
get confused as to what will help us achieve long term,
healthy weight loss. This article contains my opinions on
what I believe to be some weight loss myths and truths. Like
anything else – do your own research before spending your
hard earned money. These are simply my opinions and you are
encouraged to check with your doctor before embarking on any
weight loss or exercise regimen. Every thing that is stated
below is stated within the context of eating a healthy,
balanced diet. And by healthy and balanced I mean whole
grains, raw to lightly cooked vegetables, raw fruits –
basically minimally processed foods eaten in moderation
divided into 5 or 6 small meals per day. I encourage you to
do more research on healthy eating even if you think you
know what is healthy.
Weight loss truth.
People lose weight by burning more calories than they
consume. Many people can experience healthy, long term
weight loss by ridding their diet of “empty calorie” foods
and increasing their daily activity. Simple as that.
Weight loss truth. There
is no such thing as an exercise that will spot reduce your
belly, thighs, or anywhere for that matter. You can tone and
tighten an area by doing exercises, but in order to melt the
fat from an area – you must burn more calories than you
consume. The best way to reduce problem areas is to eat a
healthy diet and exercise regularly and consistently.
Weight loss myth. A diet
that works for your neighbor will work for you. This is
simply not true. When you are shopping for a diet;
repeatedly ask yourself if this is an eating regimen that
you can see yourself following. Too many people start a diet
that deprives them of so much joy they are set up for
failure from the beginning. Your neighbor may find it easy
to follow a diet such as the Mediterranean diet while you
may not enjoy it at all. Chances are you will go off your
diet and resume your old eating habits thereby maintaining
your weight or even possibly gaining weight.
Weight loss truth. With
the exception of medical problems – your weight is the
result of your lifestyle. Your lifestyle must change in
order for you to reach your desired weight. You cannot live
a 190 pound lifestyle and have a 120 pound body.
Weight loss myth.
Finding the right weight loss supplement (whether it be
pill, powder, lotion, or potion) will not in and of itself
cause you to reach your desired weight. I believe in using
weight loss and dietary supplements to assist (or
supplement) you in your weight loss efforts. But please do
not rely on them to do the job for you.
Weight loss myth. The
super body man or woman that you see on TV effortlessly
demonstrating the latest exercise machine has worked
extremely hard for that body. Despite how easy and
effortless they are making the machine look – they have
worked hard. If you are totally averse to working hard and
sweating – see the next weight loss truth.
Weight loss truth. Daily
walking is one of the greatest, most enjoyable exercises
that you could ever do. Walking allows you to get fresh air
and sunshine all while invigorating you and making you feel
great. Walking can be done year round and is generally safe
for most people. Walking is easily measurable so that you
can chart your progress. I have known people who have lost
weight simply by adding a daily walking routine to their
life.
Weight loss truth. There
are people and companies out there that are only interested
in taking your money while promising you easy weight loss.
Weight loss truth. There
are people and companies out there that offer wonderful,
healthy ways to assist you in losing weight. Some cost money
and some don’t. Just off the top of my head – ediets,
Nutrisystem, weight watchers, your doctor, your friends,
TOPS, your employers wellness program, your local gym, a
personal trainer, a dietician, and the list goes on. My
opinion on finding a quality weight loss product is as
simple as this: Are they selling you quick and easy weight
loss or are they selling you a lifestyle? If they are
selling you quick and easy then chances are (a) it is not
healthy and (b) it will not last. The more reputable
companies and products encourage you to change your eating
and activity to more healthy ways.
Weight loss myth. A
healthy lifestyle is boring and torturous and filled with
bland, tasteless foods. In reality a healthy lifestyle is
filled with fun and adventure and will lead you to a world
of new tastes and habits that you never dreamed possible. As
I write this I have an Amy’s brand wheat, spinach, and
tomato pizza in the oven that I just can’t wait to dig in
to. They are delicious and very healthy. People that enjoy
healthy lifestyles have more energy, lower medical costs,
and less sickness. People who lead a healthy lifestyle are
leaner, happier, and have more adventure in their life. They
enjoy healthy activities such as hiking, biking, swimming,
running, racquet sports, and team sports. They have time and
energy to spend with their loved ones and they enjoy food to
the fullest.
Weight loss myth. You
have to starve or somehow deprive yourself in order to
achieve your ideal weight. With the proper selection of
foods and portion control you can learn to be satisfied and
constantly nourished. There is nothing wrong with
occasionally enjoying your favorite foods in moderation. In
fact, by allowing yourself to enjoy such foods you will be
more apt to stick with your new eating habits. However, most
people will experience a change in their tastes as they
develop new eating habits. Once you experience the wonderful
taste of fresh, whole grain bread – it is likely you will
not enjoy white bread any more. This is just one example.
Also you will become more sensitive to how some of your old
foods make your body feel. For example, a while back I had a
restaurant hamburger and French fries – it tasted great but
made me feel physically horrible for the rest of the day.
This is not mental. I felt sluggish, tight, and very
uncomfortable in the stomach area. I have recently
discovered that I can eat a little less than half of the
hamburger and fries and have a small salad and I feel OK. My
old ways of eating caused me to lose sensitivity to what
these foods in such high portions were doing to my body.
These are just a few
thoughts off of the top of my head. You can achieve the
weight loss and health you desire! Just don’t be sidetracked
by fancy advertising who’s only goal is to separate you from
your money.
Think about what you
need to lose weight:
Do you need support?
Then consider weight watchers, ediets, or TOPS.
Do you need planned
meals in proper portions? Consider Nutrisystem.
Do you need education on
what is healthy and what is not? Consider ediets.com
Do you need motivation
to exercise? Consider joining a group exercise program or
hiring a personal trainer.
Be creative and find a
way to destroy all of your excuses. Constantly educate your
self and diet and exercise. You will achieve the fat loss
you desire!
Wishing you the best health!
Bill
