With summer just beginning many of my clients want to know how they can lose weight quickly. The topic of weight loss is confusing to most people. Every day, a new diet pops up with new super claims. Eat (or not to eat) a certain food, drink this special juice, do this specific exercise, all of them “promising large amounts of weight loss in a short period of time. Most people are still trying to find the “magic diet” that will work for them. Truth is that a diet that promises that you will lose large amounts of weight in a brief period of time may work in the short term but is not sustainable. Statistics show that 95% of people who go on a diet gain all their weight back and more within 1 year following. It is highly likely that you will gain all the weight back pretty quickly-plus more. Here are a few more myths that need to be busted.
Myth #1 – “Low-fat” or “fat-free” is better.
Just the opposite! When a company creates a fat-free food, other ingredients are added in order to make up for the taste change that occurs-usually sugar , gluten or chemicals like artificial sweeteners. Often these substitutions raise the calorie count of the food and spike your blood sugar-causing you to actually retain fat. We actually need healthy fats for key body functions. Without them you to gain weight in the long term.
Myth #2 – Carbohydrates are bad for you.
The most most popular weight loss diets today involve eliminating most carbohydrates-sometimes almost entirely. Our body needs carbohydrates as a source of fuel for energy; we just have to make the right choices. It is not that carbs are bad for you but we just need to choose the kind of carbs that don’t spike our blood sugar (which causes us to put on and conserve fat)
Myth #3 – Snacking causes you to gain weight.
Again, just the opposite! Healthy snacking between meals actually keeps your blood sugar even, which in turn will cause you to lose fat. If you’re hungry between your meals – EAT! Have a snack; just make it a healthy choice. To lose and maintain your weight loss naturally it is important to eat 3 balanced meals and 2-3 snacks a day. The key is how these snacks and meals are balanced.
Myth #4 – A calorie is a calorie.
Personal Trainers are taught that to help their clients lose weight, you have to cut calories and increase exercise- Period. It’s actually a bit more complicated than that. Caloric restrictions can help people lose weight but, more important to weight loss is the quality of the food , vitamins and minerals that are chosen. Fat loss while feeling great is completely affected by the types of food you choose. Studies have shown that calorie-restricted diets that restrict or eliminate certain food groups cause the participants to feel lethargic and depressed. Conversely, those who learn how to balance their meals & snacks plus give their bodies 70-100 Trillion cells what they need have greater long term weight loss, improved energy, more restful sleeps & an overall sense of well-being.
Looking for a a program that will teach you how to lose weight permanently without dieting? Check out my Ageless Body Program starting again this fall. In the meantime I am happy to coach individuals throughout this summer. www.livewellconsulting.ca
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