When it comes to dieting, things can get a little confusing. With so much information out there, it can be a little difficult to discern the difference between facts and myths, which might make you feel a little discouraged as you pursue a leaner, healthier body. To help combat the misinformation that is out there, we have compiled a list of common food myths and some facts to set the record straight.
Continue reading to learn about the real facts that put these food myths to rest:
- If you want to lose weight, you are going to have to give up your favorite foods. When we think of dieting, many of us tend to assume that we have to give up all of our favorite foods and tasty treats. However, small amounts of your favorite high-calorie foods can still be part of your weight loss plan. The key to ensuring your goals are not derailed is to remember to keep track of the calories you consume. As long as you are burning more than you take in, you should be able to stay on the right path.
- Grain products, including bread, pasta, and rice are fattening and must be avoided to lose weight. These foods are not necessarily fattening or bad for you. In fact, it is a good idea to incorporate whole grains into your diet, such as brown rice, whole wheat bread, and cereal into your diet, since they are a good source of iron, fiber, and other crucial nutrients.
- Choosing gluten-free foods will ensure a healthier diet. Unless you have celiac disease, gluten-free foods are not healthier for you. Gluten is simply a protein that is present in wheat, barley, and rye grains. If you are not sensitive to gluten and choose to avoid it anyway, you might be missing out on important vitamins, fiber, and minerals. Moreover, cutting gluten is not going to help you lose weight.
- You should avoid all fats to be healthy and lose weight. It would be unwise and unnecessary to eliminate all fats from your diet in an attempt to lose weight. Fats are actually an essential nutrient and should be incorporated in every healthy meal plan. That said, not all fats are created equally, so try to focus on including healthy fats in your diet and reducing your intake of saturated fats.
- Dairy products are bad for you. Dairy products make up an important food group because they contain important proteins that help organs work well, build muscles, and calcium that is crucial for strengthening bones. Additionally, most dairy products, such as milk and some yogurts, contain added vitamin D, which helps the body use calcium. It is recommended that adults consume 3 servings a day of fat-free or low-fat dairy products, including milk or milk products, or fortified soy beverages. If you are unable to digest lactose, choose lactose-free, fortified soy products, or other foods and beverages that contain vitamin D or calcium.
- Being a vegetarian will help you lose weight. Although there is some research that shows a healthy vegetarian meal plan or a meal plan that largely consists of plants might be linked to lower levels of obesity, lower blood pressure, and even a reduced risk of heart disease, going vegetarian will only result in weight loss if you are able to reduce the total number of calories you consume. If you do choose to follow a vegetarian meal plan, make sure you still get an adequate amount of nutrients to keep your body healthy.
Weight Loss Programs in Louisiana
If you are unable to get rid of stubborn, excess fat from diet and exercise alone, now is the time to seek help from the team at Soza Weight Loss. We provide targeted solutions for rapid and long lasting results through an all-natural plan that focuses on the intake of low calorie, nutrient-dense meals combined with medical supplements that boost metabolism. Additionally, our plans are tailored to each individual based on a variety of factors, including starting weight, gender, age, and medical history.
Get started on achieving the body you desire by contacting us today at (504) 475-9817 and learn more about how we can help you.