Myth vs. Fact

I heard in passing the other day, that there are actually diets out there that focus strictly on eating only one food. Imagine....only eating grapefruit for a month at a time. I have no doubt that (should those...desperate enough...complete this fad) participants DO succeed at loosing weight throughtout their diet, but at what nutritional (and mental) expense?

I though it would be appropriate to de-funk some popular myths and reveal some actual facts about weight loss.

1. Myth: Certain foods, like grapefruit, celery, or cabbage soup, can burn fat and make you lose weight.
   
   Fact: No foods can burn fat. Some foods with caffeine may


2. Myth: Natural or herbal weight-loss products are safe and effective. Diet products would not be sold if they were not proven to be safe.
   
   Fact: It's "buyer beware" where dietary supplements are concerned because their makers don't need the Food and Drug Administration's stamp of approval before selling their wares. Stimulant drugs can promote short-term weight loss by decreasing appetite and increasing metabolism, but the pounds shed always come back on with a vengeance when you stop taking them.
   Further, stimulant drugs can cause addiction and other harmful side effects.
   A product that claims to be "natural" or "herbal" is not necessarily safe. These products are not usually tested scientifically to prove that they are safe or effective. Some herbal or other natural products may be unsafe to use with other drugs or may hurt people with certain medical conditions. Check with your doctor or other qualified health professional before using any herbal or natural weight-loss product.
   
3. Myth: Fresh fruits and vegetables are more nutritious than frozen or canned.
   
   Fact: Most fruits and vegetables are naturally low in fat and calories. Frozen and canned fruits and vegetables can be just as nutritious as fresh. Frozen or canned produce is often packaged right after it has been picked, which helps keep most of its nutrients, while fresh produce can sometimes lose nutrients after being exposed to light or air.
   
4. Myth: Starches are fattening and should be limited when trying to lose weight.
   
   Fact: Potatoes, rice, pasta, bread, beans, and some vegetables (like squash, yams, sweet potatoes, turnips, beets, and carrots) are rich in complex carbohydrates (also called starch). Starch is an important source of energy. Foods high in starch can be low in fat and calories. They become high in fat and calories when you eat them in large amounts, or they are made with rich sauces, oils, or other high-fat toppings like butter, sour cream, or mayonnaise. Choose starchy foods that are high in fiber, like whole grains, beans, and peas. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends 6 to 11 servings a day from the bread, cereal, rice, and pasta group, even when trying to lose weight. A serving size can be one slice of bread, 1 ounce of ready-to-eat cereal, or 1/2 cup of pasta, rice, or cooked cereal.
   
5. Myth: Fast foods are always an unhealthy choice and you should not eat them when dieting.
   
   Fact: Fast foods can be part of a healthy weight-loss program if you choose salads and grilled foods instead of fried. Use high-fat, high-calorie toppings, like full-fat mayonnaise and salad dressings only in small amounts. Eating fried fast food or other high-fat foods like chocolate once in a while as a special treat is fine--but try to split an order with a friend or order a small portion.
   
6. Myth: Fish has no fat or cholesterol.
   
   Fact: Although all fish has some fat and cholesterol, most fish is lower in saturated fat and cholesterol than beef, pork, chicken, and turkey. Fish is a good source of protein. Types of fish that are higher in fat (like salmon, mackerel, sardines, herring, and anchovies) are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids are being studied because they may be linked to a lower risk for heart disease. Grilled, baked, or broiled fish (instead of fried) can be part of a healthy weight-loss plan.
   
7. Myth: Watching fat in the diet — or severely restricting dietary carbohydrates — is the best way to lose weight.
   
   Fact: Most weight loss experts agree that managing calories rather than focusing exclusively on fat, carbohydrate or protein counts is the bottom line for weight-loss success. Eating fewer calories than you burn each day will slim you down. Still, it's sound practice to limit dietary fat, not only because of fat's well-known artery-clogging effects, but also for its relatively high calorie count — nine calories per gram compared to four in the same amount of carbohydrate or protein.
   
8. Myth: Your body has a predetermined "set point" that blocks weight loss beyond a certain limit.
   
   Fact: A frustrating plateau in weight loss is a familiar problem among dieters, but studies suggest that metabolism tends to adjust to weight loss and is not responsible for the dieter's block. The American Council on Science and Health notes two possible explanations for the scale getting stuck:
   Because muscle weighs more than fat, the scale may show the same weight even while exercise works its magic, subtracting inches from your waistline.
   Because a lighter person burns fewer calories during exercise, as you drop pounds your weight loss may slow.

Until Tomorrow!

Keep healthy, keep safe and keep going!

Have an awesome day!

♥Fit~NOW~Girl♥