10 Weight-Loss Myths Busted!

The best way to lose weight is a hotly debated topic. Ultimately, you have to find what works for you - and dispelling these common myths should help you achieve success.

- Vera Tweed

MYTH # 1

JUST WALK FOR EXERCISE

“Walking is a form of transportation and a good place to start, but it is by no means a finish line in your quest to stay young, stay healthy, and be strong,” says Eric Von Frohlich, an expert fitness trainer and cofounder of Row House and other exercise studios in New York City. For a very overweight person, a short daily walk may be the best starting point, increasing distance by about 10 percent each week. But ultimately, everyone needs weight training to strengthen muscles and bones, and cardiovascular exercise intense enough to get the heart pumping. 

MYTH # 2

IT’S ALL ABOUT PORTION CONTROL

Eating off smaller plates or constantly trying to stop yourself from eating is not the way to go.“Don’t change the portion, but change the combination of what you’re eating,” says Joe Colella, MD, a weight loss specialist and author of The Appetite Solution. Specifically, replace most (but not all) starchy foods with protein and non starchy vegetables. For example:Needless to say, this means that you should eat meals, rather than snacking at your desk or in front of the TV. But if you eat enough protein and a variety of multicolored, nonstarchy vegetables,snacking urges should take care of themselves—not instantly, but within about a week. If you’re hungry between meals, a ready-made protein shake is a good choice.

BREAKFAST

Always include protein, such as eggs or smoked salmon. If you prefer cereal, eat oats or other whole grains, and replace milk with a low-sugar (less than 5 grams), ready-to-drink protein shake.