7 Diet Myths That Are Actually True
Aug
12
2016
There are a lot of diet myths floating around out there, but some of those supposed myths are actually true. We're setting the record straight about seven topics that may have you confused... Read on!
Drinking water can help you lose weight.
While H2O isn't going to straight-up "flush out" the bad stuff, there is real evidence to support the claim that water is a weight-loss aid. For example, one study found that dieters who drank about 17 oz. of water before meals lost more weight in 12 weeks than the control group. Possible reason as to why? Sometimes, your body thinks it's hungry when it's really just thirsty. Stay hydrated throughout the day to banish those imaginary hunger pangs. Have trouble getting enough H2O? Click for tips.
Some foods contain fewer calories than you burn digesting them.
Researchers in the UK tested the whole negative-calorie theory and found their subject burned 72 calories while eating 53 calories' worth of raw celery. (He burned even more calories when the celery was liquefied.) Cucumbers and grapefruit have also been cited as negative-calorie foods. Definitely worth incorporating into your diet!
Eating slowly could help you lose weight.
It comes down to this: It takes about 20 minutes from the time you start eating for your body to register that it's been fed and send out signals of fullness. Many studies have found this to be the case. And chances are, you'll stop eating once you feel full. So take your time while you eat. Savor and enjoy your meal! Then savor the resulting number on the scale...
The human body fights against maintenance after weight loss.
It can't all be good news. This study made headlines earlier this year when researchers looked into the frequency with which contestants on The Biggest Loser gained back the weight they'd worked hard to lose. The culprit they found is metabolic adaptation, which means the body responds to weight loss by burning calories more slowly. The contestants studied exhibited this metabolic slowing even years after their big weight loss. The takeaway? No resting on your laurels once you hit your goal weight. Get maintenance tips here.
Probiotics could help you drop the pounds.
There are lots of healthy foods with probiotic properties (think yogurt and sauerkraut), and a new study has found the good bacteria could help you reduce your weight. After looking at 20 different studies with 25 trials, researchers found evidence that probiotics help people lose weight and lower their body mass index. So if the number on the scale won't budge, consider adding a good supplement to your daily diet, particularly one that includes multiple probiotic species.
Weight loss can improve other areas of your wellbeing.
Weight loss isn't just about fitting into your skinny jeans. We're talking about overall health here, and studies have found that cutting back on the junk really can upgrade your wellbeing in various ways. Improved sleep, better moods, less tension, and improved relationships were all reported from a group of test subjects on a calorie-restricted diet over a 2-year period. Can't argue with that… Take care of yourself!Chew on this:
Happy National Julienne Fries Day, August 12th. Slice your baked fries a little skinnier, and reduce the cook time to avoid burning...
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