Need a fast reboot after all that junk bingeing last week? There’s a myriad of dieting fads, each promising quick results in getting that beach body.
But how effective are these strategies really? Are they worth all that time, money and drastic lifestyle changes?
We’re here to debunk five popular dieting myths and help get you back on the right track.
1. Intermittent Fasting Saves Calories
Today’s trendy strategies glorify intermittent fasting as the way to reduce obesity and diabetes, and increase life span. According to experts, although fasting a day weekly could reduce calorie intake which triggers weight loss, there is no proof of any long-term benefits. To add, skipping meals can make you feel exhausted and you tend to overeat when you break your fast
2. Juicing Gets Rid of Fat
Juice cleanses are touted to prevent toxin overload and resume balance. While having fruit or vegetable juice is a healthy habit, replacing food with it for several days is quite extreme. You stand to lose out on important nutrients found in meat and vegetables, as well as fibre for digestion
3. Low-carb Diet Makes You Skinny
For quick weight loss, cutting down on carbs is a go-to solution for many. But the initial rapid weight loss is mostly due to water loss, which ends after two weeks. Not all carbs are fattening; it’s overindulging in simple carbs like white bread, pasta and doughnuts that’s the problem. The trick is to focus on eating the right type of carbs – complex carbs such as whole grains, beans, and oats
4. Go Gluten-Free To Lose Weight
You shouldn’t cut out on specific food groups unless it’s medically advised to do so. Although gluten-free products are flooding the supermarkets, they are not really useful in achieving a healthy body. Due to their low-calorie content, they often lack the full range of nutrients your body needs to function well.
5. Eating Any Kind of Fat Makes You Fat
Pre-packaged foods in the supermarket that shout out “low fat”, “lite” and “low cholesterol” may sometimes be high in sugar content and preservatives, which can be harmful to your health. Despite its high calorie-content, healthy fat (unsaturated fat) makes you stay full for a longer time and reduces food cravings. Some examples of good fat include avocados, cheese, eggs and nuts, but remember to have it in moderation!
