There are hundreds of diets around. From no carbs to low fat to raw to juicing, Americans try anything and everything to lose weight.
There is no shortage of weight loss plans endorsed by celebrities and real people alike over the years. They all tout great results, claiming each of their plans will help anyone drop some pounds, lose the inches, and become healthier all over.
But are some of the myriad of diets actually causing people to gain weight rather than lose it?
The truth is, not every diet is for every person and not everyone will see the results that are broadcast across TV 24 hours a day. There are several false beliefs people have gleaned from different plans and they can actually put the pounds back on.
Think of this list as a list of things not to believe.
Belief #1: A calorie is a calorie is a calorie.
Some people believe that there are no “good” or “bad” calories, that the 100 calories an apple contains is just the same as the 100 calories in half a candy bar.
Experts agree that is probably untrue. One’s metabolism, which plays a big part in any weight loss or gain, is affected by the kinds of calories one takes in as well as the number of calories.
In a Yahoo.com article, Robert Lustig, M.D., a pediatric endocrinologist at the UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital was quoted as saying “low-sugar, high-fiber foods cause lower blood sugar peaks, less insulin release and less weight gain.”
There are certain foods researchers have found that are particularly bad for those trying to lose weight. Potato chips, potatoes, sugar-sweetened sodas, unprocessed red meat and processed meats are the five foods that promote the most weight gain.
Bottom line: It matters what type of calories one eats.
Belief #2: Eating more frequently throughout the day helps one lose weight.
A lot of people hold fast to the belief that eating mini-meals throughout the day will help them lose more weight. However, the science behind that statement is just not conclusive.
Recent studies found no difference in hunger and appetite between overweight people who ate six smaller meals and those who had three. Eating more frequently can cause one to consume more calories.
Bottom line: Eat the way that works best for you.
Belief #3: It doesn’t matter what time dinner is eaten.
The truth is that people who eat late at night, usually eat more in general. Those who eat dinner early and then fast for the rest of the night, are slimmer than the general population.
This has been confirmed in studies on mice. Experts think fasting between an early dinner and breakfast allows the body to process food more effectively. However, the mice in the study fasted for 16 hours which would not be typical for most Americans.
Bottom line: Eat early!
The bottom line overall is that one should always research any method or plan they are following for weight loss. Most experts do agree that to lose weight one needs to move more and eat less. Little by little, the pounds will come off.
Sources:
Yahoo.com. Web. Published 11 January 2013. "Diet myths that are keeping you from losing weight".
http://shine.yahoo.com/healthy-living/diet-myths-keeping-losing-weight-155100911.html
Eatingwell.com. Web. 13 January 2013. "10 foods that drive weight gain and loss identified by Jarvard".
http://www.eatingwell.com/nutrition_health/diet_reports_information/10_foods_that_drive_weight_gai?page=6&ordersrc=yashbwmyths011113&utm_source=YahooBlog_Brierley_DietMyths_011113
Reviewed January 15, 2013
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith