#MotivationMonday! Don't Be An April Fool With These Diet And Fitness Myths
April 1 2013, Published 4:33 a.m. ET
So it's April Fool's Day where we get tricked into thinking a whole myriad of things!
But as we continue our quest for our great bikini body in OK!'s 12 Week Countdown To Summer, what are some of the diet myths that we have been fed over the years that could be stopping up from getting and maintaining the perfect physique we've always dreamed of.
1. Diets Don't Work
Well actually diets do tend to work! It's what happens after we come off the diet that's the problem. A quick return to old eating habits is what sees a return of the pounds just lost. So the key is to find an eating program that is sustainable and is more a lifestyle change than just a quick fix.
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2. Working Out Every Day Means I Can Eat Whatever I Want
No it doesn't! If you over eat, regardless of the amount of exercise you do, you won't lose weight. It's recommended to eat 250 calories less per day and try to burn at least an extra 250 calories a day which will make enough deficit to achieve at least a pound a week weight loss on average. Calories in, calories out.
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3. Drastically Cutting Down Calories Is The Best Way To Lose Weight
If we drop the amount of calories we consume drastically then it's likely our bodies will go into starvation mode, our metabolism will slow down and our body will hold onto fat for energy rather than doing what we want it to do which is to release it. In fact, eating little and often so our bodies are kept nourished throughout the day is the best way to go. Five or six small meals a day is ideal.
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4. Lifting Weights Will Make You Look Bulky
For most women it's not even possible to get bulky because of the estrogen in our bodies. Although weights help to strengthen, build and tone our muscles, it won't make us bulky like it can for men. And building lean muscle is perfect for having a great metabolism which helps burn fat throughout the day even when you're not working out.
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5. Exercising On An Empty Stomach Means You'll Burn More Fat
It's been said that workout out on an empty stomach means you'll burn more calories. But it's advised that having a pre-workout snack 30-60 minutes before you exercise gives you the added energy you need to go for a longer period of time and workout harder which gives your burn a boost.
What is the one diet myth that you found out to your peril while trying to lose weight? Share with us below or tweet us @OKMagazine!