20 weight loss myths that are stopping you from losing the weight for good
If you’re out to lose the weight for good this year, then you’ve probably scoured the internet for the best - and fastest - ways to lose weight. I get it, who doesn’t want to drop pounds quickly! The thing about fast weight loss is that it usually isn’t lasting weight-loss.
If you are trying to use one of the following weight loss myths to lose weight in 2020, you may want to rethink your approach.
Less food means less weight.
The scale is the best indicator of success.
Mindset doesn’t have much to do with weight loss.
Every meal has to be delicious.
Carbs are evil.
You can only eat salads - without dressing.
You need to work out for hours every day.
Cut out all sugar.
Only eat during certain hours of the day
Eat less.
Switch higher fat foods for low-fat alternatives.
Don’t snack.
Eat primarily from one macro: fat, protein or carbs.
Don’t eat fruit, just veggies.
Don’t drink your calories.
Count calories.
Stop eating meat.
Replace meals with shakes.
Use a waist trainer.
Don’t eat out.
These myths, along with countless others cause a lot of misinformation in the weight loss industry. But losing weight doesn’t actually have to be very complicated. A lot of success comes from sticking to common-sense principles, such as eating healthy whole foods, exercising and being positive.
In fact, using those three principles, I’ve been able to lose 25 lbs and keep it off for five years. I’ve also helped other people do the same thing. Here’s what you actually need to know to lose weight in 2020.
Eat a balanced diet
Americans are constantly bombarded with what they should and should not eat in order to lose weight. In fact, there are diets dedicated to cutting out whole groups of foods. Those diets may work temporarily, but long-term it’s hard to cut out food groups and it’s not that great for your body!
Instead of saying “no” to carbs or fats, it’s better to eat a balanced diet that includes all three macronutrients: protein, fat and carbs. Balanced means something different to every person. In order to determine how much of each macronutrient you need to review the following:
Starting weight
Goal weight
Age
Gender
Activity level
Likes & dislikes
Medications
Diet history
If you need help finding out what balance looks like to you, you can schedule a free discovery call with me and we’ll figure it out together!
Exercise regularly
Exercise is vital to a healthy lifestyle, but that doesn’t mean you need to spend hours in the gym every day. If you’re new to working out, start small. Start by taking a short daily walk and then add a little more each day.
Cardio and strength training both play an important role in weight loss. When you’re first starting off, it’s great to start with cardio to increase your capacity for exercise. However, if you want to lose weight quickly then strength training will be the key. I’ve found that weight training can even help curb your appetite. Don’t be afraid of the gym! There are plenty of free workout plans online that can help you conquer the fear!
The most important part about exercise isn’t that you push yourself as hard as you can, but that you get into a daily habit of moving your body. You’ll find that on your journey to a healthier life, consistent habits are going to be the key to success!
Get your mindset right
I’ve saved the best for last! Mindset is absolutely critical to weight loss. Having a positive and growth-centered mindset will help you identify your roadblocks and determine how to overcome them.
Most weight loss programs briefly touch on this subject, but they don’t go much deeper than “believe in yourself and you’ll succeed.”
My program focuses a lot on mindset. In fact, I believe that weight loss is 80% mindset and 20% nutrition. I like to find out why you want to lose weight, what’s holding you back and where you want to end up. A lot of weight gain is tied to emotional issues and I help my clients overcome those issues so they can find lasting results.
Losing weight doesn’t have to be complicated. And you definitely don’t need to be miserable while you lose weight! There’s a way to enjoy the journey of weight loss so that it becomes a new lifestyle instead of a forgotten New Years’ resolution. If you need help, then let’s get started!
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