Myth: I'll get to my goal weight just in time for [occasion] so that everyone thinks I look fab! Fact: Weight loss isn't just for a special occasion, though you can use one to motivate yourself. The truth is you have to be ready for a lifestyle change--a permanent one--no matter what occasion are on the horizon!
Myth: I don't need to change my diet, I'll just exercise to lose weight.
Fact: The only way to lose weight is to burn more calories than you consume, but burning enough calories for significant weight lose will take hours of exertion every day. Don't fool yourself--while exercise is a part of a healthy lifestyle, you won't burn enough to lose lbs. quickly, and if you don't see the results of your efforts you won't continue them.
Myth: I'll just eat 1 meal a day to reduce my calorie intake.
Fact: If you only eat once a day, your metabolism will slam to a halt the rest of the day because your body will think you are starving! Also, you're more likely to binge eat during that one meal. Eat 5-7 small meals throughout the day to keep your metabolism going.
Myth: I'll start my diet after my birthday/January 1st/in a month/after [holiday/occasion]
Fact: There will always be a holiday, occasion, or other excuse to put of taking control of your weight. Save the excuses and commit NOW.
Myth: I'm good Sunday-Friday; taking Saturday off can't hurt.
Fact: Although you can still lose weight thinking this way (depending on just how "off" you are on your day off) the loss may be significantly slower and you won't feel as motivated to be good S-F. And if the weight loss doesn't slow down from one day off, you'll convince yourself you can take two days off, and so on and so forth.
Myth: If I eat [food/supplement] I'll automatically lose weight.
Fact: The only way to lose weight is to burn more calories than you consume. Repeat after me: The only way to lose weight is to burn more calories than you consume. There are no special foods or magic pills that can replicate healthy, low calorie food choices. Some things may speed up your metabolism, causing you to burn more calories, but the best way to lose is to eat healthy, small, low-calorie portions multiple times a day.
Myth: I already messed up today so the whole day is a wash--I'll eat whatever I want today and just start again tomorrow.
Fact: Making one mistake won't hurt you. Making an entire day of mistakes will. So you messed up a little--don't let it get you totally off track.
Myth: I just can't live without chocolate/potato chips/[food weakness].
Fact: You won't live nearly as long or as well if you don't shape up your eating habits and get your body to a healthy weight. You don't have to give up your favorite foods forever or completely. Cut them out for the duration if your weight loss, and then indulge in them in moderation when you've reached a healthy weight.
Myth: I'm not losing 5/10/15 lbs a week so my diet isn't working.
Fact: Healthy weight loss is 2-3 lbs a week. Be satisfied with a steady downward trend and better eating habits--in the long run it's what's best for your body. Remember, slow and steady wins the race.
Myth: Diets don't work in the long term. Why bother when I'll just gain it all back when I stop?
Fact: For some diets, this is true. To stay at a healthy weight in the long term you need to change your lifestyle, not just temporarily alter it. When you're doing the Smart for Life Program, you aren't just eating cookies. You are teaching yourself to eat multiple small meals throughout the day. And you are also learning how to make healthy food choices (which proteins are lean and healthy, which veggies and side dishes to eat and which to avoid, using less condiments). At the end of the program, you know how to stay healthy without the cookies because you've learned the skills!
Any other myths you've encountered? Let me know so we can fight them together!
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