Weight loss advice is so common (and contentious) now. There are competing opinions everywhere. Anyone else tired of this?
In my opinion, too much “health information” is focused on weight loss. I’d like to start out by saying, not all of us need to lose weight. Let’s be accurate about what the goal is really—do you need to change your body composition. build muscle and increase your strength? Most often this is the issue when clients come to me saying they want to “lose weight.”
When it comes to weight loss, for those of us who actually need to lose excess weight, let’s forget about focusing on “who’s right” and let’s focus on “what’s right.” Because what gets results is what I’m focusing on in this post.
I respect you too much to make empty promises and try to convince you of something that doesn’t work.
There are too many weight loss myths out there. I’m going to tackle the top ones I come across in my practice.
Myth #1: Calories cause weight gain, and fewer calories are the path to weight loss
Calories are important for weight loss. If you eat and absorb a ton more than you use, then your body’s wisdom will store some for later. Calories matter.
But, they are not the “be-all and end-all” of weight loss; they’re important, but they’re the symptom, not the cause. Let’s think about the reasons people eat more calories. Let’s focus on the causes.
People eat too many calories, not because they’re hungry, but because they feel sad, lonely, or bored. Or maybe because they’re tired or stressed. Or maybe even because they’re happy and celebrating. We are nourished by more than just what’s on our plates. And all these feelings interact with our gastrointestinal, nervous and hormonal systems; which influence our calorie intake.
Myth #2: “Eat less move more” is good advice
Well, then we’re all in tip-top shape, right? Because people have been doling out this advice (myth) for years.
The premise of this is based on the above myth that calories in minus calories out equals your weight. So, eat fewer calories, and burn off more calories (because human physiology is a simple math equation, right?).
Even if people can happily and sustainably follow this advice (which they can’t!); it completely negates other factors that contribute to weight problems. Things like the causes of overeating we mentioned above. Not to mention our genetics, health conditions we’re dealing with or our exposure to compounds that are “obesogenic.”
Myth #3: A calorie is a calorie
Can we please put this one to bed already?
Science has confirmed several caloric components of food differ from others. For example, the “thermic effect of food” (TEF) is that some nutrients require calories to be metabolized. They can slightly increase your metabolism, just by eating them.
For example, when you metabolize protein you burn more calories than when you metabolize carbohydrates. Proteins and carbohydrates both have 4 calories/gram; but, the TEF of protein = 15–30%; and the TEF for carbohydrates = 5–10%.
Here’s another example of a calorie not being a calorie. Different fats are metabolized differently. Medium chain triglycerides (fats) (MCTs) have the same 9 calories/gram that other fats do; but, they’re metabolized by the liver before getting into the bloodstream and therefore aren’t utilized or stored the same way as other fats. Psst…coconut oil is a good source of medium chain triglycerides.
Shout it out! #acalorieisnotacalorie
Myth #4: Buying a supplement/tea/food/magic potion will make you lose weight
There is no magic pill for weight loss. No supplement, tea, food, or other potion will do the trick.
There are products that make these claims, and they’re full of garbage (or shall I say “marketing gold?”). The only thing you will lose is your money (and possibly your hope). So, please don’t believe this myth. There is a reason most people who lose weight can’t keep it off. The real magic is in adopting a sustainable holistic and healthy approach to living your life. What you need is a long-term lifestyle makeover, not a product.
Myth #5: Weight loss is all about your body
Here’s one that we might think but rarely say out loud. Have you noticed that weight loss solutions are all about your body? They never consider that human psychology, our thoughts and emotions (which are what we base our decisions on) have something to do with the weight loss puzzle.
In fact, our thoughts and emotions are the missing piece. If you start your weight-loss journey from a place of self-sabotage, you’re already doomed for failure. Your body (and mind) responds best to loving and positive input. This is one reason why having a nutritionist or personal coach increases your chances of success on a weight loss journey.
Conclusion
Weight loss is a challenge! There are too many people out there trying to make it sound like they have the simple solution, when really it’s about consistency of your healthy habits.
Don’t fall for the myths that say:
- Calories cause weight gain, and fewer calories are the path to weight loss.
- “Eat less move more” is good
- A calorie is a calorie.
- Buy this supplement/tea/food/magic potion to lose weight.
- Weight loss is all about your body (and not your mind/emotions).
Now check out my magical “weight loss salad” recipe below (just kidding!)
Recipe (Myth-free salad, filling and nutritious): Kale Cucumber Salad
Serves 2
Salad
4 cups kale, divided
1 cup cooked beans of your choice (white beans, chickpeas, etc.)
1 cup cooked quinoa, divided
1 cucumber, sliced and divided
Cucumber Dill Dressing
½ cup tahini
½ lemon, juiced
2 Tbsp. dill
½ cup cucumber, chopped
1 green onion, chopped
½ tsp maple syrup
2 dashes salt
2 dashes black pepper
¼ tsp garlic, minced
Instructions
Divide salad ingredients into two bowls.
Add all dressing ingredients into a food processor or blender and blend until creamy. You may need to add water to thin. Add it slowly, a Tbsp. at a time until desired thickness is reached.
Add dressing to salads and gently toss.
Serve & enjoy!
Tip: Extra dressing can be stored in the fridge for a few days.
References:
https://authoritynutrition.com/top-12-biggest-myths-about-weight-loss/
https://authoritynutrition.com/metabolism-boosting-foods/
https://authoritynutrition.com/5-chemicals-that-are-making-you-fat/