There is a vast quantity of information around about the best way to lose weight and keep it off. Amongst that information are some misleading myths that many people believe are true. These myths confuse and baffle most of us along with thwarting our efforts to improve our health and lose excess body fat. Here are three of them: Myth number one - Eating less + exercising more = weight loss This idea has been around for a long time and does not work any better now than it did 30 years ago. If you cut back more than a couple of hundred calories an ancient mechanism is triggered that reduces the risk of starvation such as in a famine situation. This mechanism slows the metabolism (the body's engine) to reduce and conserve energy. At the same time a cascade of molecules driven by hormones flood your body that increase hunger signals in the hope you will go hunting for food. The problem with this is that the fridge in the next room is full of food and the hunger signals are so strong and can lead to out of control food cravings. Binges and overeating are the result and the weight you may have lost is piled back on again. You usually get some extra to boot in preparation for the next famine your body thinks it is going to encounter. Myth number two - Low slow endurance activity will help you lose weight. This type of activity is great as part of an active lifestyle but will not help you lose weight. It is too low an intensity to increase your metabolism and get your body burning more fuel (calories) every minute of the day and night. Toning up your muscle tissue is what drives your metabolic motor and the only way to tone it and keep it that way is with strength training exercise. Done at the right level of intensity (degree of effort) you will boost your metabolism for round the clock fat burning. Having toned muscles also means a firm tight body which sure beats the heck out of a soft flabby one which is all you will ever get with 'cardio' type activity. Myth number three - Cutting out certain macro-nutrients (protein, carbohydrates and fats) will not help you lose weight. The best way to eat to boost your metabolism is a healthy eating plan that includes a portion and balance of those macro-nutrients. For the fastest possible weight loss you need to eat 4-6 small meals every 2-3 hours throughout the day. These meals should contain high quality non processed foods for the best results. Your body has to work hard to digest and process these meals which boost your metabolism. Eating this way also supplies you with plenty of energy so you can put some effort into your proper exercise program so you can make the changes to your metabolism that will burn off the excess body fat. So, get rid of the old fashioned myths about weight loss and stick to tried and true ways to get into your best possible shape - healthy eating and proper muscle/metabolism boosting strength training exercise is the proven formula that will serve you well.
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