Fact v/s Fiction: Weight Loss

Trying to lose weight but caught up in myths and facts?

We have people around us talking about losing weight and of course internet which has left us in a dilemma that makes hard for anyone of us to sort fact from fiction.

Fiction: The only way to lose weight is to avoid carbs.

Fact: Carbohydrate-rich foods, such as vegetables, fruits and whole grains, are the foundation of each of these healthy eating patterns. And remember that fiber is a carbohydrate. If you avoid carbs, your fiber intake will plummet and can lead to constipation or tiredness. If eaten in the right quantities and as part of a balanced diet, carbohydrates will not lead to weight gain. Options like whole grains and wholemeal carbohydrates such as brown rice can be consumed. You should not ditch carbohydrates if you want to have a healthy diet.

Fiction: Cutting fat from your diet helps you lose weight..

Fact: Avoiding fat doesn’t lead to weight loss. In fact, it often leads to weight gain. The latest research finds that foods containing healthy fat don’t make you fat — they can actually speed up your metabolism and help you shed pounds.

People who cut fats from their diet tend to replace those calories with added sugar and refined grains. “These hijack your metabolism, drive inflammation, spike insulin and pack on the belly fat.

“This leads to a vicious cycle of more sugar cravings and loss of willpower. Your taste buds crave what you feed them, and sugar is extremely addictive.”

Eat healthy fats (avocadoes, extra virgin olive oil, ground flax seeds, hemp seeds, walnuts, wild salmon) to lose weight, feel satisfied after eating and lower your inflammation levels, she advises.

Fiction: Skipping meals is a good way to lose weight.

Fact: Skipping meals is not beneficial anyway. It is true that to lose weight, you have to reduce the amount of calories you consume and increase the calories you burn through exercise. But skipping meals altogether can result in fatigue and may mean you miss out on essential nutrients. You will also be more likely to snack on high-fat and high-sugar foods, which could result in weight gain or binge eating/overeating.

Fiction: Going gluten-free is the fastest and best solution to weight loss.

Fact: Gluten free diet should only be followed if the person has problems like celiac disease or when advised by doctor in case of allergies. Several gluten-free food items are processed and thus are higher in calories and carbs, and can lead to weight gain over time. Gluten-free foods are often lower in fiber, too, which leaves you feeling less satisfied and can lead to more overeating or can develop constipation. However, they should not be used as a weight-loss strategy.

Over to you

Avoid falling for fad diets and believing misconceptions. Every body type is different and not every diet works for everyone or affect the same way.