Whether you are trying to shed five pounds or 55 pounds, everyone has something to say about weight loss. However, a lot of these pieces of advice are based on little more than myth and old wives’ tales, and could do your wellbeing more harm than good if you follow them. Getting in shape is actually a lot simpler when you use scientifically sound weight loss strategies, and an article published in The New England Journal of Medicine has shed light on some of the weight loss myths.
Firstly, though many wellness experts hark on about small, achievable weight loss goals, it turns out that the overzealous ones are the ones that get the job done. It has been shown that ambitious goals lead to better results, as just falling short of a massive goal is better than achieving a tiny one, and then stopping. However, while we’re on the smaller things, there is no relationship between snacking and obesity or weight gain. In fact, small, healthy snacks can actually stop you from overeating at meal time.
One thing that most experts can agree on is that changing your lifestyle to incorporate a balanced diet and exercise programme is far better than just cutting down to four instead of five slices of pizza or having a little walk around the office. Yes, little changes can make all the difference, but only if you keep an eye on your total diet and add the right level of exercise. This is the recipe for long-term, sustain weight loss, and a balanced lifestyle still allows you to enjoy your favourite treats in moderation.
Finally, one surprising truth to come out of the article is that it’s OK to lose weight quickly. Many people believe that weight loss should be slow and gradual, but an analysis of the research has demonstrated that losing weight rapidly with very-low-calorie diets can be just as successful as slower weight loss in the long-run. You may find that quick results early on help increase your motivation to stick to the plan, or you may discover that you’re one of those people who stop trying once you see an initial result. It all comes down to what works best for you.
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