In order to reduce, maintain, or gain body weight, or to prevent and treat disorders like diabetes and obesity, dieting is the practice of eating food in a controlled manner.
A diet myth is a piece of advice that gains popularity without any supporting evidence. Many widely held views about weight loss are myths, and others are just partially accurate. To help you sort through what you hear, consider the following facts.
Many people consume more calories during the Christmas season than they burn off. Consequently, gaining a little extra weight during this season is common. Traditionally, January is a month of transformation and many people go on weight loss-focused health campaigns. In light of this, we address certain widespread myths.
1. Skipping breakfast causes weight loss
It may or may not be true that breakfast is the most crucial meal of the day, but it doesn’t seem plausible that skipping breakfast will help you lose weight. This method is justified by the idea that skipping one meal each day results in a reduction in daily caloric consumption. The plot is not obvious, though. A 2010 research Trusted Source examined data on 2,184 subjects between the ages of 9 and 15 who reported eating habits. The researchers re-asked for the same data twenty years later. They contrasted data from individuals who skipped breakfast as children and adults with data from those who either never skipped breakfast or only did so as adults. Researchers discovered that skipping breakfast was more strongly associated with being overweight than drinking alcohol or being inactive.
2. No Snacking
It won’t help to deprive yourself of all the foods you enjoy, and often excluding some foods makes us crave them even more. You will eventually cave to temptation and stop making an effort, which might result in emotions of failure and guilt. Remember that one slip need not result in a fall, and there is no wrong in rewarding yourself occasionally. Plan to consume your favorite foods in moderation and enjoy each bite.
3. No Sugar
There is a notion that less processed sugars, like those found in honey and maple syrup, are healthier than white sugar. In actuality, regardless of the source of the sugar, our bodies metabolize it in the same way. All sugars are converted to monosaccharides in the gut. It is more crucial to pay attention to the sugar content of any dish than to how the sugar is processed. Each gramme of sugar contains about 4 calories.
In relation to the aforementioned fallacy, we are aware that all sugar is heavy in calories. A person trying to reduce weight does not, however, have to eliminate sugar from their diet completely. The key to everything is moderation. Instead, staying away from products with added sugar may be a good choice.
4. Carbs are Dangerous
Carbohydrates provide fewer calories per gramme than fat does. You must still pay attention to your portion sizes and pick the correct kinds of carbohydrates, though. Choose wholegrains over white or sugary foods and beverages, such as oats, brown rice, whole meal bread, and pasta. Keep an eye out for high-calorie extras as well. Fillings and toppings that are frequently used, like creamy sauces on pasta and butter or cheese on baked potatoes, will significantly raise the amount of fat and calories in your meal.
5. Extensive exercise is a must
It is stated that one must exercise a lot when beginning a diet in order to see changes. This is wholly untrue. You don’t have to start doing HIITs or a marathon. You can easily observe the changes in your body while brisk walking, gardening, or performing household.
The Takeaway
Overall, it can be difficult to lose weight. Our bodies are equipped to absorb and retain energy because they were designed to survive in poorer times. Despite the fact that many of us live in a society where calories are easily accessible, our bodies continue to retain this energy as though it were out of style.
In general, cutting calories and exercising regularly are the most effective methods for losing weight. That stated, before starting a new weight loss programme, persons with chronic conditions like diabetes and obesity should see their doctors.
