3 Weight Loss Myths Debunked

I’m sure we’ve all made the mistake of falling for something we thought at the time was true, but then realized later that it wasn’t true at all.

When it comes to losing weight, I’m sure things are no different. However, what separates truth from fallacy when it comes to losing weight?

Here are three weight loss myths that have no truth to them whatsoever.

Weight Loss Myth # 1 – Not Eating Will Make Me Lose More Fat

There is absolutely no truth to this at all!

Although you can lose weight by not eating anything or by severely restricting your calorie intake, the weight you lose will not be the type of weight you want to lose at all.

If you cut your calories drastically, your body is going to enter starvation mode and will start to burn muscle for energy – not fat. So although you might be losing weight, your body will become weak, soft, and pudgy.

This is not something you want on your quest to achieve a killer physique.

These types of crash diets have a negative effect on your health than can place unnecessary strains on your heart, liver, and kidneys. Not to mention, your metabolism won’t be nearly as efficient which can make it much harder for you to drop fat.

Tip: Never eat 1,000 calories below your maintenance amount of calories – the amount of calories your body needs to maintain its body weight each day. Also, try to lose 1-2 pounds per week, but never lose any more weight than this.

Weight Loss Myth # 2 – I Can Eat As Much As I Want, As Long As The Food I’m Eating Are Healthy

You could eat nothing but celery sticks and carrots all day, but if you eat too many of them, you can actually gain weight.

Weight loss is a simple matter of calories in vs. calories out.

This is actually the only factor you need to be considered with when trying to lose weight. Sure it’s still recommended to eat healthy if you’re trying to slim down, but the truth remains that a calorie deficit is the only  way to lose weight.

In fact, you could eat nothing but Twinkies all day long and still lose weight. Granted, it would not be the best idea since your body would be severely malnourished, but it could technically be done.

Weight Loss Myth # 3 – I Work Out All The Time So I Can Eat As Much As I Want

This weight loss myth is somewhat controversial since there is actually a bit of truth to it.

Sure it’s true that the more you exercise, the more calories you’ll burn, but the question we need to ask ourselves is how many calories did we really burn?

Many people tend to overestimate this number and use it as an excuse to stuff their face with an extra large pepperoni pizza after their workouts, but this is not always the best idea. You never want to overestimate how many calories you burned and therefore, it’s better to play it safe and underestimate.

If you just completed walking on the treadmill for twenty minutes at a measly pace, then chances are you only burned about 100 calories or so. On the other hand, if you’ve been weightlifting vigorously for an hour and then decided to perform a high intensity interval cardio, then maybe it’s time for an extra slice or two of pizza.

Keep in mind I said an extra slice, not an entire pizza!

By avoiding these 3 common weight loss myths, you will see much more success when it comes to achieving permanent weight loss. So don’t fall for these traps – ever!

About the Author: My name is Drew Stegman and I have been lifting weights for an incredibly long time, so I consider myself very knowledgeable when it comes to any health/fitness related subject. My main topics of interest are learning the best ways to build muscle fast, lose weight, and increase metabolic rate. I hope you enjoyed reading this article as much as I enjoyed writing it since sharing my knowledge with other people is my passion!

*Photos for the article 3 Weight Loss Myths Debunked are courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net