Jitendra Chouksey reveals the reality concerning some prominent weight-loss myths
With so much information and misinformation out there, getting fit seems not only hard but also impractical sometimes. While we are often carried away with this information overload, it is important to remember that there is no magic potion or pill which can make us lose fat. Rather, small and achievable changes to our daily lifestyle are the key to reaching our goals.
If you are about to embark on, or in the middle of, your fitness journey, you should be aware of the following myths and facts to amp up your preparations.
Consuming fats make you fat
Myth: If you consume fats such as butter, ghee or nuts, you will automatically gain weight. Excluding all kinds of fats will help you lose weight.
Fact: While it is true that fats are calorie-dense (a gram of any fatty ingredient contains nine calories while a gram of carbohydrate or protein has about four calories), consuming them in the right quantity will not lead to weight gain. They are an important macronutrient needed for carrying out functions such as producing hormones, aiding nutrient absorption, and many others. Eliminating them from your diet can lead to deficiencies and hormonal imbalances. Remember that no single food group causes fat gain. As long as your calories consumed are lower than the calories expended, you will lose fat.
Festival foods don’t make you fat
Myth: You can eat shrikhand, puri and other festival foods without worrying about gaining weight. Our ancestors were very wise and these regional food combinations are cleverly designed to provide us with nutrients and won’t make us fat, especially on festivals and holidays.
Fact: All kinds of foods, festive or not, contain calories. In fact, festive foods are generally high in oil and sugar content. These foods are highly palatable and easy to overconsume. If you eat too many calories and do so over a sustained period, it will certainly result in weight gain. Your body doesn’t understand the significance of festivals. It treats all calories equally, irrespective of when you eat them.
The myth of ‘the perfect diet’
Myth: ‘There is one perfect diet or there is a golden formula for weight loss’
Fact: The perfect diet does not exist. As everyone is different, the nutritional requirements also vary. What works for one person might not work for others. Moreover, a plan will work only if you follow it consistently along with a proper exercise routine and a healthy lifestyle. Select a nutrition plan that includes food that you enjoy and aim to keep a caloric balance. Follow this plan consistently and with time, you will lose weight.
Supplements will help you lose weight
Myth: ‘There is one perfect diet or there is a golden formula for weight loss’
Fact: The perfect diet does not exist. As everyone is different, the nutritional requirements also vary. What works for one person might not work for others. Moreover, a plan will work only if you follow it consistently along with a proper exercise routine and a healthy lifestyle. Select a nutrition plan that includes food that you enjoy and aim to keep a caloric balance. Follow this plan consistently and with time, you will lose weight.
You can’t lose weight because you lack willpower/motivation
Myth: You just need to stay motivated and things will fall into place. If you’ve been unable to lose weight, that just means you lack the will to lose weight. Fix your attitude and results will follow!
Fact: Several factors aid and hinder fat loss. While willpower is one such factor, there are several other important aspects such as food habits, immediate environment, genetics, and lifestyle choices that can affect our fat loss. The key is building consistency and being patient.
Now that you are aware of the facts, do not get misled by these myths again and derail your progress. Only a combination of an active lifestyle and a healthy diet can help you get fit.
(The author is the founder and CEO of Fittr, a community-first online health and fitness platform.)