7 Weight Loss Myths

Weight loss is such a hot topic and sometimes it seems that everyone is trying to shed some pounds. The media constantly inundates consumers with contradictory information and celebrities will happily share their weight loss tips at the drop of a hat.

In the torrent of information, there are quite a few weight loss myths. Seven of the most common are listed in this article.

Lose belly fat/Spot reduction

Who hasn't seen those ads for losing belly fat or getting thinner thighs? They all claim that various products can help you lose fat on one particular part of the body. It would be pretty funny if it were true. Imagine a person with fat all over his body - except for the thighs. You never see such a person because spot reduction is impossible. A person loses weight all over his body, not just on one part.

You must eat breakfast

There's nothing wrong with eating breakfast, of course. However you do not necessarily have to eat as soon as you wake up. It's best to eat within three hours of waking up. Planning meals and eating throughout the day helps you eat right. If you skip breakfast you may overeat later because you are very hungry.

Weight loss pills are safe if they are natural

Weight loss supplements often claim to be natural and safe but is that always true? Just because something is natural doesn't mean that it is safe. Deadly nightshade is natural but it is poisonous and even fatal for humans if its berries are eaten. Herbal weight loss supplements are largely unregulated and it is best to consult your doctor first if you would like to take diet pills.

Foods that burn fat

This is one myth that persists even though by its very definition, food is fuel for the body. It gives energy and nutrients. It does not burn fat. The body burns fat, not food! There are some foods that contain ingredients like caffeine that will temporarily speed up your metabolism but it will not help you lose weight.

Carbs are bad

Carbohydrates are not bad and they do not make you fat. Calories make you fat, not carbohydrates. The truth is, any type of balanced, healthy diet will work. o long as you cut back on total calories consumed per day.

Lifting weights makes gain weight and bulk up

Exercise is a great way to lose weight and lifting weights to build muscle mass is good. Big bodybuilder muscles require intense training and most people who life weights to lose weight need not fear that they will bulk up.

To burn fat you need intense exercise

Any type of exercise burns calories and you can lose weight even with light or moderate exercise. Some people do prefer to do intense exercises because it is very challenging and rewarding for them to do but it is not necessary. Elderly people, people with disabilities or medical conditions can still engage in easy exercises and lose weight that way.

Walking, for example, is free to do and can be done by almost everyone. Those who like more intense exercises can go for jogging, cycling or even long distance running. Just be careful when you are exercising in a relatively isolated area outdoors. For your own safety you can keep a TASER device handy at all times. It is safe to use and non-lethal, unlike a gun. In case you run into trouble you can use it to stun a person and then run away and call for help.

To summarize, the real key to losing weight is not fat burning foods, natural diet pills or avoiding carbohydrates, it is to reduce calorie intake while burning calories through healthy exercise.

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