A recent article goes into great depth about 8 common diet myths that may be preventing you from losing weight. It also goes on to discuss what does work for diets.
However I’d like to focus on two of the most harmful myths about diet and weight loss.
The first is: Carbohydrates Make You Fat
There are some diets out there that tell you to avoid carbs at all cost. The problem with this is that there are actually different kinds of carbs. It is true that the processed and refined types can be a problem but at the same time the unprocessed and unrefined carbs can actually help to keep you healthy.
You see they provide essential energy to your body providing you with the fuel to power your muscles. Another essential for weight loss is exercise and you need energy to be active.
Second myth: Fat Will Make You Fat
There are many arguments surrounding fat. Although it’s partially true that you are what you eat it’s also important for you to know that there are actually different kinds of fats. Saturated fats are not good for you and can raise the levels of bad cholesterol but there are also heart healthy fats like Omega3 that help us maintain our health.
When choosing what to eat the easiest rule is to eat sensible and controlled portions. After all, no matter what you eat if you eat too much your body will turn it into fat.
Atkins Shirt
The British Dietetic Association (BDA) has stepped up and taken aim at what they call
9 ‘fad’ diets.
Among this list are the Cabbage Soup Diet, Maple Syrup Diet, and all Detox Diets. They provide details of what they are and why they are just based on pseudo science. For example the body is a complex organizing more than capable of detoxifying itself. Though after the Holiday celebrations it could probably use a little help.
They even mention two very popular diets namely Atkins and the Zone diet.
Reuters points out that two British dietitians even went as far as saying that Atkins and the Zone diet go against Britain’s Food Standard Agency recommendations.
Both companies have responded to their claims and you can read the full story here.
But from my research I know that both have helped thousands of people successfully lose weight. So I’d love to hear what you think.
Is your diet just a ‘fad’? Or has it really helped you shed the extra pounds?
Comments are always welcome.
photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/newbirth/ / CC BY-NC 2.0
Happy Wii Fit Owner
It wasn’t that long ago that video games and consoles were being blamed for keeping our kinds indoors, inactive and overweight.
It seems all that has changed thanks to Nintendo. I’m sure you know what I’m talking about. The Nintendo Wii promised to change video gaming forever with it’s motion control technology.
If you were lucky enough to get one for Christmas this year (or maybe you bought one for your kids) then you just opened up a new door to exercise and weight loss.
This article introduces 4 different video games for the Wii that you can use to get some extra exercise at home. They range from dancing, to yoga, to different types of mini-games.
So is this the future of home workouts? What do you think? Will you be trading in your gym membership and running shoes for a Nintendo?
photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnftw/ / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Marriage Ring
A recent study by researchers has found that women gained more weight if they were married with child than if they were single.
One key part of this is that women tend to gain weight after they get married or find a partner.
The results after studying 6,458 Australian women showed:
- Women with no partner and no baby gained 11 lbs
- Women with a partner gained 15 lbs
- Women with a partner and child gained 20 lbs
They also say that single women may gain less weight because they still want to attract a partner and have more time to exercise.
Denise Austin
In her new book called “Denise’s Daily Dozen: The Easy, Everyday Program to Lose Up to 12 Pounds in 2 Weeks” author Denise Austin will tackle the subject of fitness in the current economic climate.
Not only will she offer you tips on keeping your resolutions on a tight budget she’ll also be discussing the stress of job insecurity and how it relates to your health.
If you are in the Washington D.C. area then you actually have a chance to get your copy of her newest book signed.
Don’t miss this opportunity to meet a top-selling author of 10 books and television star.
Full details are in this press release.
What I’d like to know is have you read any of Denise Austin’s book?
Gym
It’s that time of the year and many of you will be flocking to your local fitness clubs to sign up and get started with your new exercise regime. Which is absolutely great news.
Before you sign up though, there are a few things you should know and some questions to ask.
First thing first, make sure you take the time to read the contract properly. Don’t let the sales guy push you into joining because of some special (they always have specials). You should focus on the cancellation policy. Especially if it is one where you have to stay for a certain amount of time or have to give a few months notice.
Another important questions is can you put your membership on hold? Some clubs offer this, and it’s great if you plan on taking a few weeks off.
For memberships also take a look at the different options they have. Some are yearly, some monthly, all with different prices.
What type of workout will you be doing? Is there enough room for you? And are the hours convenient for you? How is the equipment? New and up to date? Are there enough machines? Treadmills and Ellipticals are great but they tend to fill up fast!
Last thing: Don’t be afraid to ask for a discount. It may not happen, but there is a lot of competition and they know that once you’re in, you’ll probably be there awhile.
You can read the full article here which includes a horror story of trying to cancel.
But please, don’t let it stop you. If your plan was to join a gym go for it, just ask a few smart questions before you do.
