Weight loss myths #8 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

I apologize the days got away from me. I will try my best to finish these up during this coming week.

The myth is Low-fat foods are a healthy choice.

From the article -

Ironically, eating low fat foods has helped make the nation look more like the Pillsbury Doughboy. Reason being, a low-fat or reduced fat item may have nearly as many calories as a higher fat version because ingredients like sugar often replace the fat to make the product taste better, say Doriman. Plus, low-fat foods can still contain unhealthy saturated or trans-fat, both of which may increase your risk of heart disease.

What’s more, a Journal of Marketing Research study determined that people ate 28% more chocolate candies if the treats were portrayed as “low-fat” rather than “regular”. The researchers concluded that low-fat labels (like those on cookies or fruit-flavored yogurts) cause people to underestimate calorie consumption, increase the amount we eat, and temper the guilt of polishing off a box of reduced-fat Oreos. “Some people see the term “fat-free” and use it as a green light to eat as much of it as they want,” says Dorfman. “This leads to over consuming calories.” And that, no surprise, leads to weight gain.

Jim’s comments:

Marketing is a wonderful thing isn’t… This article is so on the mark. Walk up and down the aisle’s at your grocery store and you can’t take a step without seeing those two words, LOW FAT. Keep in mind low fat does not mean no calories or good for you.

Let’s we have covered calories in and calories out, let’s add another. If it comes in a box, can, bag, sack or a bottle try to keep these products to a minimum. You generally won’t see things that grow from the ground or come from an animal have a sticker on it saying low fat.

I have mentioned that you have to make smart choices, well generally Low Fat is not a smart choice.