Some things work when you are trying to lose weight, and...somethings don't work. Trying to figure out how to diet the right way is often not so simple. However, knowing a few facts will help you to find your way out of the maze. Forget fad diets, forget pre-packaged foods that you buy and then eat apart from your family, forget bars and drinks, and just about most things that are touted to lose weight.
There is no magic bullet when it comes to losing weight. Always remember that it didn't come on overnight and it won't go away overnight either. Now, let's separate a bit of fact and fiction:
Myth Number One: It's good to lose weight fast.
Myth Buster: The purpose of losing weight is to get rid of fat, right? The purpose of dieting is not to merely change the number on the scale. When you lose weight fast, it is almost always because you are losing water or muscle. The only way to lose fat is gradually. Aim for one-half to two pounds per week. (Remember, two pounds per week means 50 pounds in six months)!
Myth Number Two: Severe calorie restriction is a sure way to lose weight fast.
Myth Buster: Your body is designed to slow the speed with which it burns calories if there appears (to the body) to be a danger of starvation. Therefore, you will lose less weight if you restrict your calories too much rather than a moderate amount.
Myth Number Three: A good way to lose weight is to always eat low fat or fat free foods.
Myth Buster: Even if you are eating fat restricted foods, you are still getting plenty of calories because all foods have calories. If you're are going to make a selection and fat restricted food is available, by all means, go for it. Just be sure to watch the calories at the same time.
Myth Number Four: Skipping meals is a good way to lose weight.
Myth Buster: Eat at least three times per day. Skipping meals will deprive your body of needed energy to do its job. The likelihood of overeating at the next meal is very great.
Myth Number Five: The best time to start an exercise program is as soon as I've lost some weight.
Myth Buster: You should begin an exercise program along with your diet. Weight comes off one ounce at a time. An ounce may not show on the scale,but it is nonetheless a loss. Exercise will burn more calories, help you to control your appetite, and tone your muscles.
One final myth to dispel is the idea that you are home free once you have lost the weight. Remember, once you've begun a balanced and nutritional way of eating, keep it up. Otherwise, you will surely gain the weight back.