Myth Busters

These pesky myths seem to get the best of many of us. Let's set the record straight before they sabotage your weight-loss success.

The best way to lose weight is to avoid eating carbs.

Not exactly. The best way to lose weight is to eat fewer calories while enjoying a nutritious diet that includes a variety of foods. No one particular food group must be avoided to achieve a healthy weight as long as you keep your caloric intake in check. While it's smart to avoid refined carbohydrates as often as possible, foods like bread, rice, pasta, cereal, and fruit, can all be part of a healthful, balanced diet. Just try to pick complex carbs, such as whole grains and beans, over-processed foods whenever possible.

It’s my Genetics that ultimately determine my weight.

While research has shown that biological relatives tend to have a similar body weight, that doesn't seal your fate if your parents or grandparents are obese. Those with a family history of obesity may be more likely to gain weight than those with a slimmer family tree, but that doesn't mean a healthy diet and exercise are less effective for you. No matter what, the most important factors affecting your weight are how many calories you eat and how much physical activity you get. So don't use genetics as an excuse to give up.

Fat is to be avoided.

On the contrary, some fats can actually help you with your weight-loss efforts. Of course, eating too much fat overall is linked to disease risk, such as cancer, but we all actually need a little fat in our diets to be healthy. Fat helps the body to absorb important nutrients and to feel fuller longer, which will help you eat less. Trans fat and saturated fat should be avoided, but unsaturated fats are actually good for you. Enjoy foods like fish, nuts, and olive oil, and a fat "fix" can actually do your weight and your health good.