Ten Popular Myths Related to Weight Loss: True or False?

Everyone heard tips from the gym or the workplace about how to stay in shape or which diets are best for losing weight fast, but are they all true? Julie Bender, a dietician from the Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, and Phil Tyne from Baylor Tom Landry Health and Wellness Center talked about some of the popular myths.

Some people say that belly fat can be removed with crunches. That`s not true because you can`t pick the area where you want to burn fat. To burn fats you may follow a workout program that includes elements from strength training or cardiovascular training and so, you may decrease overall body fat content, says Tyne.

The fact that it`s essential to stretch before exercising is false. Studies showed that stretching may increase the susceptibility of the muscle to injury because the muscle fibers become destabilized and less prepared for exercise. It`s good to warm-up before running, but try to stretch after the workout if you`re lifting weights, says Tyne.

Even if you`re having a morning workout, you may have a small meal with one to three hours before exercising. You may choose whole wheat toast, yogurt, or fruits because they provide energy for your muscles and helps you work efficiently, according to Bender.

Women become bulky because of lifting weights. That`s false because most women don`t produce enough testosterone to become bulky and if you`re getting bigger, you should use less weight, says Tyne.

The myth that fats are bad isn`t completely true. Small amounts of “good” fats may help you feel full and therefore eat less. The “good” fats are those from avocado, fish, or nuts. Some may be helpful for disease prevention, according to Bender.

Calorie restriction is a good way to lose weight. That`s false. Both calorie restriction and practice help you lose weight and maintain metabolism. Drastic measures like radically reducing the daily calorie intake may slow metabolism and provide only temporary results, says Bender.

You may eat healthy foods as much as you want. That`s false. You should limit the calorie intake and portion size no matter if you`re having a healthy food or not, says Bender.

Another myth says that fats are turned into muscles by exercise. Since muscle tissues and fats are made up of different types of cells, “fat will never turn into muscle” says Tyne.

(c) Project Weight Loss 2008. All rights reserved.

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