Weight Loss Myth 6 of 14 from Runner’s World Magazine

Myths to be covered – (Topics already covered are in bold)

1. To lose weight cut carbs or fat
2. Exercise in the fat-burning zone
3. Mini-meals are better than three hearty ones
4. Lift less weight with more reps to get toned
5. You can “make up” weekend splurges
6. You have to ban “bad” foods
7. Eating at night causes weight gain
8. Low-fat foods are a healthy choice
9. Weight lifting will only bulk you up
10. Running on empty is a smart way to burn extra fat
11. You can spot reduce fat
12. Longer exercise sessions equal better results
13. You can’t overcome your genes
14. Keeping it off is the easy part

We are moving right through these myths and #6 is another good one.

Myth #6 “You have to ban “bad”foods.

Runners (people looking to lose weight) try to slim down often try to cut out all indulgent foods, but eventually this approach usually backfires. “If you follow an overly restrictive diet, you’re more likely to go overboard on your vices,” says Lisa Dorfman R.D., director of sports nutrition and performance for UHEALTH at the University of Miami. In fact, a 2009 National Academy of Sciences paper found flip-flopping between a diet that includes sweet treats and one that banishes them from activates the brain’s stress system. making you want to gorge even more.

So before you say sayonara to your favorite foods ask yourself: “Can I live without cheesecake forever?” The answer is probably no. “Losing pounds and keeping them off,” says Dorfman, “depends on learning to balance your diet without depriving yourself, and eating in a way you can maintain. She suggests the following the 80-20 rule. “Eat great 80% of the time and allow room for small treats the other 20%.” As long as you’re reducing your overall intake, you don’t need to nix any one food from your diet.

Jim’s input -

Well I did something correct without knowing it. I knew if I cut out the things I love to eat I was just setting myself up for failure. I still eat ice cream, chocolate and so on, but everything in moderation. Of there are times where I chuck this out of the window and blow the doors off because food is still my addiction (cruises come to mind). But I don’t worry as much because once that cruise is done I know what to do. When it is all said an done it is always about making smart decisions.

Enjoy your favorite food once in awhile, do not feel guilty that you had that piece of cake or that Big Mac. Once you get your body adapted to eating healthier and you eat that cake or Big Mac your body will remind you why once in awhile is a good thing. Taste good in the mouth, but the rest of the journey WATCH OUT!

Until next time, this is your Fitness Buddy.