Weight loss isn’t easy for most people, partly due to all of the conflicting advice you hear and read. It can be difficult to block out all the “noise” and simply follow a weight loss plan that works for you, when you don’t know what advice is myth and what is fact. Having said that, what are some of the common myths that you can feel free to ignore?
“Don’t eat beans”. This advice grew out of the low-carb movement, and for some reason beans have been vilified to an illogical degree. If you’re cutting carbs (which is certainly appropriate in many cases), focus on eliminating refined flours and sugars. Beans are rich in fiber and protein, and are an appropriate part of almost any weight loss plan. Obviously, you will consume them within your normal allowance of carbohydrates, but that’s the only factor you need to worry about.
“Ignore your cravings and develop more willpower”. If this advice worked, no one would ever become overweight in the first place. There’s a nugget of truth here; obviously, you don’t want to give into all of your cravings, because our bodies have a way of wanting things that aren’t so good for us. But that doesn’t mean you have to ignore them, either. Trying to “power through” often leads to a complete breakdown of willpower, followed by an over-indulgence in the forbidden food.
A better strategy is to address where those feelings are coming from. Are you experiencing cravings because you’re tired, bored, stressed, sad, etc? Focus on finding non-food methods of dealing with these emotions leads to better long-term coping strategies. And, occasionally, it’s okay to give into a craving by indulging in a small portion of the desired food, or finding a healthier substitute that satisfies you. Don’t pressure yourself to be perfect all the time; this usually backfires.
“You just need to eat less and exercise more”. From a logical, mathematical perspective, this is sound advice. Yes, creating a calorie deficit should lead to weight loss. However, if you over-simplify this method in your mind, you will be overlooking a number of factors that contribute to weight gain. Have you been screened for metabolic disorders? Have you examined your mindset toward food and exercise? Have you addressed stress triggers and other lifestyle factors that can lead to weight gain? A well-rounded weight loss plan addresses all of these factors, so that you can lose weight safely and (perhaps more importantly) keep it off for good.
Give us a call to learn more about a weight loss plan that accounts for your health status and lifestyle, and offers the support you need both during your journey and afterward. We can help provide the tools you need to succeed, and to keep the weight off in the long term.
