According to our Hudson Weight Loss Specialist, dieting and losing weight can go two different directions – it can either become a new healthy way of living that keeps your mind and body happy OR it can be a frustrating experience that makes you miserable and discouraged. Whether you succeed or not depends mostly on your knowledge about food and how it affects your body. Sadly, there are many harmful myths out there that throw many people of course and make the experience of losing weight a painful process. In this article, we will debunk 3 (out of many!) popular dieting beliefs that make your efforts to lose weight futile:

1. Fasting will make you lose weight faster

Many people seem to believe that a drastic decrease of calories will make them lose weight faster. The logic behind this one is that the less calories you digest, the more weight you lose. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work this way at all. Calories equal energy – if you don’t provide your body with enough calories, it won’t have the energy to function, which will make you feel exhausted. Moreover, it will cause your metabolism to slow down, which in result will make you gain weight instead of losing it.

2. Eating fat is bad for you

Another popular belief is that eating fat will make you fat. Wrong! It’s not fat but sugar that causes people to gain weight. The most harmful products out there are in fact labeled as fat-free. Why? Because in order to keep the product tasty, the food companies substitute fat with sugar. So in reality, by avoiding fat in your diet, you digest much more sugar and that’s what really makes you pack on the pounds. Contrary to sugar (which is empty calories) fat will make you feel full longer. The added benefit is that it also helps your body to absorb more vitamins.

3. All calories are the same

Somebody once said that excess calories is excess calories, whether they come from beef, bourbon or broccoli. And while it is true to some extent, in reality our bodies digest calories in different ways, depending on the source the calories come from. Proteins, carbohydrates and fats cause different hormonal reactions1. If you want to stay healthy and fit, your best chance is to eat foods with a low calorie density (veggies, lean meat, etc.). That way you can eat bigger portions that will keep you full longer and still lose weight.

If you find yourself confused by all of these popular dieting theories, consult our Hudson Weight Loss Specialist who can help you tell the difference between facts and myths. We are looking forward to becoming your partner on your way to losing weight and starting a new, better life – contact us today and let our Hudson Weight Loss Specialist help you become a better, stronger version of yourself.

1 – Tim Ferris, The 4 Hour Body