7 worst weight loss myths

By: Ashley Evans
(All women stalk)

1. Eliminate Carbohydrates

What most people don't know is that the human brain relies entirely on carbohydrates for energy. While carbohydrates are also the body's main fuel source, you can survive on protein and fat alone but not for long! Instead of eliminating carbohydrates, choose healthy ones like whole grains, fruits and vegetables!

2. Cut out fat

There is a difference between healthy fat and unhealthy fat. Healthy fat found in foods like nuts, nut butters, seeds, avocados, olive oil and olives are actually very beneficial to your health and can actually help you lose weight.

3. "Free" foods don't have calories

You might have been told that there are particular foods, like celery or cucumbers, that are "free foods" because your body burns more calories digesting them than they actually contain; unfortunately, this simply isn't true. While these foods are very low in calories, their calories still contribute to your daily total.

4. Fruit has too much sugar and will make you gain weight

Fruit should be included in a healthy diet. While there is natural sugar found in fruit, there is also fiber which slows down the digestion of the fruit, unlike the sugar found in candy, cakes, soda and juice. Fruit is high in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytonutrients, all of which your body needs to get or stay healthy. 

5. Milk will help you lose weight

You might be shocked to read this one, but there is no true evidence to suggest that milk or milk products will help you lose weight. 

6. Don't eat after 8pm

If you wake up everyday at noon, eat breakfast at 1 pm, lunch at 5 pm, a snack at 9 pm and dinner at 1 am, that is no different than if you woke up at 6 am, ate breakfast at 7 am, lunch at 11 am, a snack at 3 pm and dinner at 7 pm. What does matter is that you are eating consistently and not eating all of your calories at one meal.

7. Eliminate Gluten

For those with Celiac disease, a gluten intolerance, a gluten allergy or a gluten sensitivity, the removal of gluten from the diet is necessary. However, for those without any of those conditions, going "gluten-free" isn't necessary when it comes to weight loss. Gluten, the protein found in wheat, barley and rye, is found in many processed foods. Many people lose weight on a gluten-free diet because this causes them to eliminate these types of foods, not just the gluten.