There is so much information out there about diets and weight loss that it’s hard to distinguish which information is scientifically proven and which one is inaccurate or misleading.

Here are the top 7 myths about calories and weight loss:

• All calories are the same

 

 

This is a common misconception. However, there are protein calories, carbohydrate calories, and fat calories. Calories are just a way to measure how much food you’re taking in.

Protein calories are the healthiest type of calories. They boost your metabolism and leave you feeling fuller throughout the day. Fat calories are good for you as well (good fats!)

It’s important to think about the quality of the calories you’re putting in your body – and not just how much. Whole foods such as organic eggs, chicken, nuts, and seeds give you high-quality calories that your body needs.

 

1. 1. All carbohydrates lead to weight gain

 

While it is true that low-carb diets help you lose weight, not all carbohydrates are bad for you. Whole foods (food made from unprocessed or unrefined ingredients) that are high in carbs are actually very healthy for you. Vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and fiber are all examples of healthy carbohydrates. What you should avoid are refined carbs such as sugar, starch, and refined grains.

 

1. 1. Avoid all fats

 

Just like carbohydrates, not every kind of fat is bad. Fat becomes unhealthy only when the food you eat is processed and are high in carbs or calories. Dietary or unsaturated fats give you the nutrients you need. It can also help with weight loss because it increases your metabolism. When it comes to healthy fats, go for avocados, olives, nuts. Use olive oil or grass-fed butter for cooking.

 

1. 1. Skip meals to lose weight

 

This has been debunked many times over but people still resort to crash dieting as a quick and dirty way to lose weight. While starving yourself may work in the short term, you’ll end up gaining more weight once you get off the diet. Regularly skipping meals makes you crave for sugary and fatty food. It’s important to eat regular meals every day to allow your metabolism to convert itself into energy needed to burn calories.

 

1. 1. Supplements alone will lead to weight loss

 

Taking weight loss supplements and pills alone won’t make you lose weight. In fact, some supplements are downright dangerous. The supplements we use at WholeBody Solutions support cleansing and elimination, and help balance the body so it is easier to maintain a healthy weight – together with the right diet and exercise.

 

1. 1. All weight loss diets are effective

 

There are so many trendy diets going around but not all of them are effective. Some of these fad diets are so extreme, people who go on them find out soon enough that cutting certain food groups from meals isn’t sustainable. Therefore, fad dieters often gain back the weight they lost. Diet plans should take your body type and nutritional needs into consideration.

It’s better to choose a diet plan that works for the long term and becomes a part of your lifestyle. This way, your body has time to adjust to the changes in your calorie intake and exercise regimen to make reaching your weight goals lasting and effective.

 

1. 1. Exercising alone burns off calories

 

Exercise burns calories but it’s not enough. You also need to regulate the calories you take in. Sticking to the recommended number of calories that’s right for you and exercising regularly may not sound as sexy as the new fad diet, but this combo is tried and tested and keeps unwanted weight gain at bay.

For more nutrition advice, visit this page. Call us at WholeBody Solutions at 617-328-6300 for safe and natural solutions to your health concerns.