Losing weight is not something to be taken lightly. It just doesn’t happen out of the blue. It requires a proper routine, patience, perseverance, determination, motivation and endurance. It’s no wonder then that most people tend to research about the exercise routines or dietary plans that will most suit them. However, a lot of people tend to make their decisions based on what they (along with most other people) perceive to be true but is actually a myth. Some of the myths that have plagued the weight loss world fooling people for years have been unearthed below:

Weight can be lost, regardless of what one eats
This actually depends. In order to lose weight, a person needs to burn more calories than he consumes. If according to a vigorous exercise routine it is possible for someone to burn off the calories from a large slice of chocolate cake, then by all means continue to eat it. A better idea though, is to limit one self’s sweet-tooth portions to a small amount and engage in a balanced amount of physical activity.

Low-fat/nonfat foods contain no calories
This is not true. Although the low-fat/nonfat versions may contain less calories as compared to the normal version of the same product, in most cases of processed foods the calories actually may be greater. This is because they may have extra sugar, flour, or starch thickeners added to them to boost flavor after the fat has been removed.

Eat three times a day and refrain from snacking
This depends on the calorie intake. It doesn’t matter if a person eats three times a day or five, as long as the calorie intake in both cases is the same. It is usually better to have three full meals because it helps structure a daily eating routine so that a person does not get too hungry. Snacking in between is allowed as long as the person counts the calories being consumed and makes sure he/she does not exceed the limit set.

Don’t eat at night
Many people believe that eating at night can lead to a greater weight gain. This is not true. Again, it all depends on the calorie intake. It doesn’t matter what time it is when a person eats, but on the amount of calories being ingested at that time.

Skipping meals boosts weight loss
This is absolutely incorrect. In fact, studies have shown that those people who skip breakfast, and have fewer meals during the day, are actually heavier than those who don’t. Skipping a meal causes a person to binge on the next one. Having breakfast and proper meals controls ones appetite.