We’ve all heard opinions and theories where dieting is concerned… but how much is fact and how much is food fiction?
We took 3 common dieting myths and put them to the test. Read on to find out the truth and get some GREAT TIPS to help you shed those extra kilograms!
Diet Myth Number 1:
"Carbs are “bad” - Potatoes, bread, pasta and rice are fattening"
Food Fact: Thanks to fad diets like the Atkins Diet, carbs have gotten a bad reputation. The truth is that there is really little evidence to suggest that carbohydrates make you gain weight. Scientifically, only a greater intake of calories makes us gain weight. So it is far more likely that the culprit is what we put on our carbs – which in turn increases the calories we consume - such as butter on toast, creamy sauces with pasta and frying potatoes to make chips!
Feelgood Tip: Better choices for carbs that contain more fiber include brown rice, wholemeal bread, jacket potatoes and whole-wheat pasta. They will fill you up more than the ‘white’ refined carbs. Remember not to add too much fat to them though, for example, serve pasta with a tomato-based sauce and top jacket spuds with low-fat cottage cheese or add avo to whole grain bread, but avoid margarines, cream-cheese, spreads and butter.
Diet Myth Number 2:
"Dairy products are fattening and unhealthy and should be avoided"
Food Fact: We may not realize it, but dairy products contain essential nutrients. These nutrients help to keep us healthy and are good sources of protein, zinc and some B vitamins. Again, dairy products don’t have to be ‘fattening’ - switching to low-fat dairy options is still tasty and great for the waistline! Did you know - skimmed and semi-skimmed milks actually contain slightly more calcium than full-fat milk? But best of all, research shows that low-fat dairy products can help us to lose weight thanks to the calcium they contain.
Feelgood Tip: If you want to lose weight, aim for three dairy servings each day: a glass of skimmed milk, 1 small tub of low-fat yoghurt, a matchbox-sized piece of reduced-fat cheese. Always choose fat-free or low-fat options (but be aware that low-fat can be deceiving. As a rule “low-fat” needs to be less than 3 grams of fat per 100g or 100ml serving). In addition to the three servings, ask your pharmacist to suggest a general supplement that contains Calcium.
Diet Myth Number 3:
"The heavier you are, the fewer calories you need to lose weight"
Food Fact: Actually, the reverse is true! The more you weigh, the more calories you can have to lose weight! Although this sounds back-to-front your body has to work harder to move more weight around and so burns off more calories as a result. It really is that simple! If you don’t take in enough (healthy) calories to get yourself moving around the gym – your body is going to start storing every available calorie, leading to a slow metabolism.
Feelgood Tip: Eat enough healthy choices to keep active – and remember that your body will still burn calories after you work out. Do some research online and find out how many calories you need to consume based on your activity levels or ask your GP to recommend a nutritional plan. As you lose weight, you can gradually adjust your eating plan.
The bottom line: Can Nature Help?
Another diet myth is that you have to use strong harmful drugs or prescription medication to boost your metabolism and lose weight. This is simply not the case. In fact, prescription medications and harsh drugs may actually make you gain weight in the long term, as your metabolism may become unbalanced. This then means when you stop taking the medication, you pick up kilograms faster as your metabolism is out of whack. In comparison, natural herbs have indeed been shown to help support the body when losing weight – without the risks!
Herbs have been used for centuries to naturally curb hunger pangs, and help your metabolism to work as it should – burning calories as you become more active. Fucus vesiculosis (a sea vegetable) and Garcinia cambogia are both natural ingredients known to assist weight loss efforts. Both are contained in EcoSlim – a natural remedy formulated by a Clinical Psychologist to encourage healthy weight goals without the use of artificial stimulants or ephedra. Best of all, it helps the metabolism to regulate itself and also stops cravings and dreaded ‘comfort’ eating! It also comes with a FREE 5-day detox and weightloss programme.
Take advantage of our Special Offer:
Buy EcoSlim and Detox Drops and receive a 10% discount PLUS your FREE Detox and Weight Loss Program – your ultimate tool kit for losing weight the healthy way... naturally.
Purchase our EcoSlim and/or Detox Drops and you will receive Feelgood Health's Detox and WeightLoss Program! Follow this program and you could be 2 – 5 kg's lighter in only five days; feeling more like the vibrant, energetic you, you know you are!
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Disclaimer: The information on this website is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure and is not a substitute for a professional consultation with a medical or health professional. Do not make any changes or additions to your prescription medicine without first consulting your doctor. Should symptoms persist, please consult your doctor.
