3 Myths About Your Weight This Dietitian
Wants you to Stop Believing
Whether you’re currently trying to lose weight, or simply trying to manage your weight in a healthy way, there are a few weight loss myths out there that will do you more harm than good if you take them as fact. Johane M. Filemon, MS, RDN, a registered dietitian, has heard a lot of them during her 10 years of practice and has three that she absolutely wants you to stop believing right now.
Myth #1: Removing All Carbs Will Result in Weight Loss
“Carbohydrates are not our enemy!” says Filemon. “Although we should limit refined carbohydrates (quality over quantity), it is not necessary to eliminate all carbohydrates for weight loss to occur.”
Indeed, certain healthy sources of carbs, like unprocessed whole grains, beans, fruits, and vegetables, provide fiber, minerals, and vitamins that promote optimal health.
Myth #2: You Can Lose 10 Pounds of Fat in a Week
“Removing the mindset that weight loss happens overnight is key to the long-term success of one’s weight loss and wellness journey,” says Filemon.
Losing weight too rapidly due to a super restrictive diet and/or intensive physical activity may actually cause you to lose less fat than you would on a slow, controlled weight loss regime and may also cause the loss of lean tissue.
Myth #3: There Is One Magic Diet That Works For Everyone
Everyone is different, and “just because your friend lost weight following a certain lifestyle does not mean that it will work for you,” says Filemon. “If you think of the changes you need to make as temporary, your results will also be temporary,” she adds.
Healthy Weight Management
Maintaining healthy behaviors is the key to long-term weight management. This means creating habits that you can — and want to — continue day in and day out.
One behavior that can help with weight management is to make sure you’re getting enough fiber every day, since fiber can help you feel full and supports your digestive health. Benefiber Healthy Shape is a clear, taste-free plant-based prebiotic fiber that nourishes the good bacteria that exist naturally in your gut1, which means it fits perfectly into a healthy lifestyle. And because it’s so easy to incorporate into your diet (just mix it into any non-carbonated drink or soft food), Benefiber is one habit you should have no trouble maintaining!
1 *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Use as directed.