Just like the tooth fairy, Santa Claus and mermaids, there are a lot of entities that are deemed to be myths. In the health and fitness world, there too are several fallacies we follow in our daily lives, but are unaware of. Here are some of the myths to look out for:
Fitness Myths to Avoid
Eliminating carbs
Whole foods and vegetables are good for our diet. These include carbohydrates. Cutting them from our dietary program can cause us to be deficient in specific nutrients. What is advisable is to just avoid processed foods, as they are packed with sodium, sugars and bad-for-you ingredients that can be detrimental for your health.
Eating one meal per day
If you consume fewer calories then you’ll definitely lose weight, right? Nope! This is definitely not the case. Eating once per day will do more harm than good to your body as it will slow down your metabolism. Another side effect of eating once per day is, once you’ve resumed regular eating habits, you’ll regain more weight. You’re also more inclined to eat unhealthy because you’ll reach for the first thing in sight to fill you up (which tends to be an unhealthy food choice). Instead, aim to plan your meals and have multiple meals per day. Eat breakfast, lunch, dinner and a few snacks in between as this will help speed up your metabolism.
Increase the time of cardio you do
For some reason, cardio still seems to be the “go to” for someone looking to shed weight. The truth is, more cardio isn’t the answer. In fact, excess amounts of cardio can burn up your muscles. Instead, add weight training to your workout routine as this will have you burning more calories during and after your workout and will also help increase your metabolism.
Avoid all fats
Fats that include unsaturated fats and trans fats are unhealthy for the body and should be avoided. But, the body should not be deprived of other fats, like healthy fats, because it actually needs it. This means that you can and should eat foods with a healthy fat content like seeds, nuts and salmon, which all contain Omega-3. If you eliminate all kinds of fats from your diet it may result in almost zero weight gain. Our body requires a certain amount of fat intake to make hormones and to function properly.
Check out our guide to which fats are best for you right here.
Dieting
Sure, you may lose a few pounds short term if you diet, but not in the long run. Normally, a diet acts as a short term solution. Instead, think of making a lifestyle chance, one where you eat healthy whole foods 80% of the time. This way you’re more inclined to stick with it. Start by making small changes, like swapping out sugar for honey in your morning coffee or ditching sugary soda for fruit-infused water.
Losing and maintaining a healthy weight should be a lifestyle. One that’s realistic, feasible and conducive to your schedule. Remember, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. To become a healthier, happier you, aim to consume balanced meals with healthy whole foods along with incorporating regular exercises.
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Author: Trudie German’s certifications include those from, National Academy of Sports Medicine, TWIST BOSU and Resistance and Reebok Spinning. Aside from her work with her clients, Trudie also placed 2nd in her very first figure competition through the Ontario Physique Association (OPA) in May 2011.
