10 weight loss myths

Extra pounds overtook many. Need to lose weight. But there are many misconceptions about what contributes to weight gain. Let’s go with our constant expert, nutritionist Lyudmila Denisenko, we will analyze which foods and habits actually help to become lighter and which do not.

Myth. 1. Celery, grapefruit and cabbage burn fat

In fact, there are no products that burn fat. Some may increase the metabolic rate, but only for a short period of time. And they don’t cause weight loss.

Myth 2. Green tea makes you slim.

This is not true. But tea contains a lot of polyphenols – substances that neutralize cholesterol that is dangerous for the arteries.

Myth 3. Porridge makes you fat

Cereals are really a source of carbohydrates. But those who eat more slow carbohydrates – whole grain cereals containing a lot of fiber – lose weight and gain it more slowly. An interesting “swing” principle has been noticed: if you combine carbohydrates and fats, the body mass index increases, but if you do not combine carbohydrates with fat, the index, on the contrary, decreases. Therefore, choose what you prefer – a keto diet with a lot of fat or a diet with a lot of fiber from cereals.

Myth 4. To kill your appetite, you need to eat an apple.

Not true. Apples and other fruits do not suppress the appetite, on the contrary, they kindle it.

Myth 5. Crackers do not get fat as quickly as bread.

The statement is not true. Crackers are more high-calorie, they have more fat than bread.

Myth 6. The best way to lose weight is fasting.

Lack of food can cause fatigue and dizziness. Starving is dangerous. And by holding back all day, you run the risk of eating three times more in the evening.

Myth 7. Protein diets are the most effective.

But no! Studies have shown that obese people lose weight better on low-carbohydrate diets, but the effect does not last long. Soon they begin to quickly gain kilograms again.

Myth 8. White bread has more calories than bran bread.

This is not true. 100 g of a long loaf provide as many calories as 100 g of bran bread. Another thing is that bran bread provides a lot of fiber and magnesium, which contributes to good digestion.

Myth 9. The secret of harmony is in salads.

This is only partly true: lettuce itself contains virtually no calories. But! In their pure form, they are usually not used. And most salad dressings are high in fat, with about 80 calories per tablespoon. As a result, a salad with dressing will not contribute to weight loss.

Myth 10. It is good to chew gum after eating.

Gum really freshens breath, but it is difficult to call it a means of oral hygiene. Scientific evidence on the positive effects of chewing gum on dental health is limited to a limited range of fluoride products. Chewing gum containing sugar, the same candy – in terms of calories and destructive effect on tooth enamel. Chewing gum can also damage periodontal tissue. In fact, it is recommended to chew no more than three times a day for three minutes. If you keep chewing gum in your mouth longer, there is an excess secretion of gastric juice. And since food does not enter the stomach, this can harm its mucosa.