Dieting Myths - Part 1

by Libby Pelham | More from this Blogger

After losing 30 pounds last year, I gained 10 back over the holidays. I know that is not horrible, but by eating poorly and not exercising, I know I am in trouble. I thought now might be a good time to remind myself of dieting myths as I try to get back on the bandwagon!

#1 - Crash diets are a good way to lose weight!

I know I will have some naysayers for this one, but I am not a huge fan of crash diets. I know a lot of women swear by them, but I view dieting as a lifestyle change. Smaller portions, eating organic instead of processed, cutting down on fast food consumption - all of those are ways you can make small changes that will help in the long run. Some need crash diets to get started, but a lot of women I have talked to go on a crash diet, lose 10, 15, or 20 pounds, then once they are off it, they gain it back.

Not only that, but crash diets remove lean muscle and tissue, which can cause your basal metabolic rate the fall.

#2 - I can eat all I want as long as I exercise.

Oh, my husband told me this time and time again - until he hit the age of 40. While this may be true for a select (and lucky!) few, most dieticians and weigh loss experts recommend a combination of dieting and exercise to lose weight. Plus, even if you could eat junk and exercise to lose weight, you really don't want fatty, processed foods going into your body anyhow. Eat healthy and exercise! No, it isn't fun, but it works (in most cases).

#3 - Snacking is bad.

Actually, at least in my particular case, this isn't true. As a borderline diabetic, I've been told by my nutritionist to snack - three times a day. Eating small, healthy snacks between meals helps me keep my blood sugar level in check. I've also read other experts say that by snacking lightly through the day, you avoid getting too hungry and gorging yourself at one meal.

#4 - Skim milk contains less calcium.

As we get older, we need to worry about calcium intake to keep our bones healthy. But, some people believe that skim milk has less calcium. Not true according to dietician Alison Sullivan. In fact, she says some skim milk may have even more calcium than regular milk. She suggests skim or semi-skim for a healthy lifestyle, but regular milk for children and underweight adults.

Related blogs:

How to Determine Portion Sizes

Fast Food is the Devil

My Forced Weight Loss Journey - How It Started

Learn more about Libby Pelham

Libby Pelham is a web designer/freelance writer located in Memphis, TN. She has a beautiful little boy, Will, born in July of 2004.

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