Most of us would love to lose some weight for some reason or another. However, sometimes it seems like you are still not getting anywhere no matter how much you try. But why? Well, it may be because you are digging too much into common misconceptions about weight loss. So here we listed the common myths about weight loss and the truths behind them.

Myth #1: As long as you count calories, what you eat doesn’t really matter. 

Fact: What you eat does matter, whether it is high in calories or not. Counting calories will often lead to focusing on quantity over quality. That’s why eventually, the quality of your diet will suffer, along with your health.

What to do: Just stay within the appropriate range of calories for the energy that you are exhausting daily. Moreover, you must choose the nutrient-dense foods so you will get more good-quality calories.

Myth #2: Losing weight means going hungry.

Fact: Let’s be honest, most would skip meals and choose to feel hungry all day just to lose weight. But doing this will only lead to irritability, frustration and, ultimately, going off your diet and quickly regaining weight.

What to do: Never skip meals. This will only make the body conserve fuel by slowing down metabolism, which often triggers overeating later in the day. Instead, eat a healthy snack or a small meal every two to three hours during the day. Choose lean meats, vegetables and fruits, and less sugars and sweets.

Myth #3: The only way to lose weight is to avoid carbs.

Fact: You can’t ditch carbohydrates in your diet if you hope to be healthy. Carbohydrate-rich foods, such as vegetables (including beans and peas), fruits and whole grains etc., are the main sources of energy.

What to do: Take the recommended amounts, which is at least 50 percent of your diet. Stick with fiber-rich and complex carbohydrates like potatoes, whole wheat, corn and the like and you’ll be good to go.

Myth 4: 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. According to research, people who avoid fats tend to switch to simple sugars and sweets.

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

So next time you see a friend following these wrong practices, be a good friend and let them know the facts!

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