The Most Common Fat Loss Myths

Because of the abundance of inaccurate information and outdated advice on the internet regarding weight loss and fat loss, several fat loss myths have developed. Unfortunately, many of these myths are believed to this day. In order that you don’t fall victim to these myths and instead proceed through your fat loss journey with intelligence and logic, it’s important that you understand the difference between right and wrong…

5 Most Common Fat Loss Myths

By informing yourself of these myths and understanding the background behind why they’re not true, you can begin to understand what’s truly required to achieve the long-lasting results you so desire.

Fat Makes You Fat

Fat is one of three essential macronutrients necessary for human life. Fat is a secondary means of energy outside of glucose (carbohydrate). Not only is it false that fat makes you fat, but it actually makes you quite healthy, generally speaking. Healthy fats are categorized as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat while bad fats are categorized as trans fat and saturated fat. Allow yourself to consume the former and avoid the latter!

A Calorie is a Calorie

Of course, by definition, a calorie is a calorie; one calorie, no matter where it comes from, holds the same amount of energy (i.e. Joules). However, when attempting to lose (or gain) weight, a calorie is most certainly NOT a calorie. In other words, not all calories are created equal; the human body is much more complex than that. Not only do you need to consider the general nutrition that you’re allowing into your body, but you need to consider the satiety index, the glycemic index, appetite suppression, energy or lack thereof, hormonal fluctuations, and more. Avoid calories comprised largely of sugars/starches, limit liquid calories, consume the majority of calories from whole foods, and ultimately allow yourself balance.

Cardio Burns the Most Fat

Cardiovascular activity is imperative to one’s overall health, and heart health in particular. As a secondary benefit, it’s also a great way to burn calories. Whether or not it’s the most effective way to burn calories, however, is strongly up for debate. In fact, research suggests that resistance training in an aerobic capacity is the most effective exercise regimen for burning calories, not to mention the fact that it boosts metabolism, builds muscle, and improves bone health. With that said, a combination of both is likely the most optimal approach.

You Can Target Fat Loss

A common fat loss myth is the idea that you can “target” where you lose fat. Popular regions of the body that many seek to reduce body fat include the belly, the hips (i.e. “love handles”), the triceps, and the neck. This is otherwise known as “spot reduction”. While you can certainly choose to lose weight and reduce body fat by committing to exercise and eating in a caloric deficit for a period of time, you CAN NOT choose where to reduce said body fat.

Skip Meals, Avoid Snacking

Although it’s logical to restrict food intake in order to lose weight, there’s a right and wrong way to approach it. Evidently, skipping meals and avoiding snacks is not the right way to go about it… In short, restricting foods, skipping meals, and avoiding “snacks” are all fast-track ways to failure. Not only do they hold the potential to develop bad habits such as binge eating but they can result in more serious problems down the line such as anorexia, bulimia, osteoporosis, and more.

A more sustainable approach? Eat all things in moderation, finding a balanced approach across the board…

If you enjoyed reading this blog we invite you to check out our other various blogs on healthy living.