Trying to lose weight? Know these five diet facts
There's a lot of talk around weight loss. Today, apparently everyone has got an opinion about what is the right way to shed kilos and what's not. However, not all diet advice is good advice. In fact, most of these 'facts' must be taken with a pinch of salt. If you've been trying to lose weight, here are five diet facts you should know.
It's the total calorie intake that matters
It is commonly believed that one should have a number of smaller meals throughout the day instead of opting for two or three big ones. But what actually matters is the total calorie intake of a person for the day. Come to think of it, if your calorie count remains the same, what's the difference between six small meals and three large ones?
Not all carbohydrates are bad
One must not be fooled into believing that all carbohydrates are bad. In fact, carbohydrates are a great source of many essential nutrients and dietary fiber, which makes them a must for a balanced diet. But then, there are healthy as well as unhealthy carbs. Carbs with high glycemic index may raise blood-sugar levels. Thus, they should be avoided, especially if you're a diabetic.
There are no ready-made 'diet foods' for weight loss
Eating packaged foods labelled as "low-fat", "sugar-free", or "diet" and thinking that they would help you lose weight, is probably a pretty common misconception - they don't really help. In fact, anything that comes packaged has probably gone through processing, and should ideally be avoided. A general rule of thumb is that the best food products for losing weight are natural, un-packaged ones.
Dieting/skipping meals does not help in weight loss
A lot of people tend to skip their meals or stick to fasting when trying to lose weight. However, when you skip meals or start dieting, you don't get plenty of calories, and thus stay low on energy. Also, you might miss out on crucial nutrients. Thus, in order to lose weight in a healthy manner, have a balanced, filling diet, and exercise regularly
Staying hydrated is crucial for weight loss
Your diet is not only limited to the foods you take. It is also equally important to take care of your fluid intake. In fact, staying hydrated is extremely important. It will help boost metabolism, flush out toxins, and accelerate the process of weight loss. In the end, remember to set realistic goals and don't go too harsh on yourself. All the best.
