Tri-Wellness
  • Home
  • About
    • Lisa Shanken
    • Brooke Null
  • Wellness Services
    • Personal Wellness Services
    • Festival Wellness Services
  • Executive Function Coaching
  • Blog
  • Contact

Schedule An Appointment

Tri-Wellness

Tri-Wellness

The Best Online Executive Functioning Coach

Schedule An Appointment

  • Home
  • About
    • Lisa Shanken
    • Brooke Null
  • Wellness Services
    • Personal Wellness Services
    • Festival Wellness Services
  • Executive Function Coaching
  • Blog
  • Contact

Stop Wasting Time: 9 Weight Loss Myths Debunked

By Lisa Shanken
February 23, 2016

It is not easy to lose weight. Not only is the process itself difficult, but it is compounded with an ever-increasing wealth of knowledge that can be as suspicious as it is confusing. The large and profitable fitness and health industries take advantage of the conflicting rules, diets, and regimens that proclaim weight loss, muscle gain, and that “perfect” physique. Aside from the so-called “miracle” pills and diets (see our previous posts), there abounds an incredible amount of myths, legends, and fairytales of weight loss “commandments” — and some of them are more than ineffective — they’re counter-effective.

Myth #1: Snacking between meals is a no-no

Dietitians recommend frequent, small meals throughout the day, as opposed to three bulk meals. This prevents you from eating too many calories at once. Frequent meals also prevent cravings for unhealthy foods, especially if snacks are made of more wholesome choices, such as fruits, vegetables, and nuts.

Myth #2: Avoid fast food

While fast food isn’t an ideal choice as a dietary staple, most restaurants offer a selection of healthier options for those who are conscious about their diet. Smaller portions are always available by choosing to eat less of a meal and salads or fruit can be found at nearly every fast food chain.

Myth #3: Carbs are bad

Carbohydrates are essential nutrients that provide energy for the human body. This is extremely important, especially for those who exercise because carbs fuel workouts. All carbs are not created equal — processed carbs are significantly less healthy than natural ones found in whole grains and fruits.

Myth #4: Calorie-torching superfoods

Foods cannot increase the burning of calories because they cannot affect metabolism. Dietitians recommend consuming foods high in fiber and water content instead. They will stay in your system longer, thus reducing hunger.

Myth #5: Constant exercise and dieting deters weight gain

The metabolism slows with age and the body is in a constant state of change. Exercise regimens and diet become stale over time — the body becomes acclimated to routine quickly. The only way to balance acclimation and metabolism changes is with a flexible diet and exercise routine.

Myth #6: Eat less and exercise more

For long-term results, this type of formula isn’t sustainable. While this may work for short-term results, it is much safer and effective to find a balance. Side note: if the goal is to build muscles, caloric intake should increase because building muscles requires more calories.

Myth #7: Realistic weight-loss goals

Research shows that more realistic goals can lead to less achievement. Conversely, when ambitious goals are set, people are more likely to attain them due to their difficulty. Reach for the stars — not the ceiling.

Myth #8: Check with your patient first

There is actually no need to consult with a patient to test readiness before they begin a fitness regimen. Studies show that, measurement of patient readiness has any indicator on weight loss success.

Myth #9: Sex burns a lot of calories

The 100-300 calorie estimate dates back to an old, and very small study. In fact, sex is not the calorie-torcher many would hope it to be. More recent studies estimate that sex burns an average of 14 calories instead.

The sheer volume of information available can make it difficult to decide which “facts” about weight loss are actually myths. While these myths claim to provide fast tips and hard facts to speed up and maintain weight loss, they end up becoming sources of frustration and disappointment when they don’t work as well as they claim — our outright backfire. It is true that some people may have medical/nutritional needs that make some of the above myths viable, but they are in no way the commandments of weight loss.

Sources:

WebMd: http://www.webmd.com/diet/obesity/5-weight-loss-myths?page=3

Forbes: http://www.forbes.com/pictures/fhgg45jdgk/truth-1/

Share this article
Previous Post
<
Next Post
>
profile-image

Lisa Shanken

My passion is to help you live your healthiest and most harmonious life, but in a way that’s realistic and practical for you as a unique individual on this planet. My philosophy is all about “balance,” never a diet since a diet is not sustainable for life, aka Kill The Diet.

Related Posts
Supporting Things Close To Your Heart

Supporting Things Close To Your Heart

By Lisa Shanken
February 24, 2023
Happy February (and almost the end of winter!). This month I was lucky enough to be part of the Wellness At Sea program on Jam Cruise, a very special 6 night music festival at sea. Many of you know that some of my greatest passions in life include wellness and...
Read Article
Gluten Free

How to Easily Transition To A Gluten Free Diet

By Lisa Shanken
January 24, 2023
Switching to a gluten free diet has been pretty trendy over the past few years (especially if you reside in my hometown of Boulder, CO), but for good reason! Celiac Disease, which is an autoimmune disease causing an allergy to wheat, is one reason people may be forced to go...
Read Article
  • Go to page 1
  • Go to page 2
  • Go to page 3
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Go to page 82
  • Go to Next Page »

Testimonials

Lisa’s weight loss plan really gave me a new insight to healthy eating and living. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2015. Healthy living/easting/exercise has become very important to me and my family and this program really helped me get even more on the course with this and helped me lose weight.

Danielle D, Great Neck, NY

When I heard about the 10 Day Weight Loss Challenge, I wasn’t sure if it would be a good fit, since as a physician, I understand nutrition and health (and therefore knew the dangers of fad diets, etc…), and I do my best to exercise (though not always enough). But as a single mother of 2, it’s still very challenging ti “fit in all in” (including cooking healthy meals for my children) due to my busy schedule. And when my time is short, bad habits crop up and weight gain follows.

Dr. Gila Ackerman, Boulder, CO

Psychiatrist
Lisa has made an enormous contribution to my health and strength. I have seen and felt the most fantastic changes in an amazingly short time.

Chessie F, Boulder, CO

I just wanted to say you were amazing through this 10 day process! I learned so much from you! You were very thorough in all areas of the challenge and got back to us in such a quick manner with our questions. It was a great jump start into a more healthy life style that’s for sure!

Colby E, Boulder, Colorado

I LOVE the recipes, simple, few ingredients, appealing. I like the idea of using the list of staples you provided when i was tempted to cheat!

Phyliss S, Spring House, PA

I worked with Lisa to develop a holistic wellness plan that has allowed personal growth without having to completely change my lifestyle. Her programs are designed around your personal needs, so I always feel like I've gotten the most from my sessions and leave with manageable goals. Lisa's three-prong approach to wellness (fitness, nutrition and health) is helping me live a balanced and grateful life.

Ali S., Boulder, CO

I’ve been through the ringer with different dieting plans through the years. Some helped me lose weight and some didn’t – but it didn’t matter because I would always gain it back. I didn’t know if this 10 day Weight Loss Challenge would be the answer since everyone says they have the “BEST” way to lose weight. But this one seemed to be more doable – like instead of starving myself, keeping track of calories (“been there done that – VERY annoying!”) and things I know I wouldn’t stick to.

Jill W, Park, NY

Lisa, you have been a very positive role model for me! Through the exercise and diet I’m becoming healthy and more positive about my life!!! Thanks!

Melissa B, Boulder, Colorado

Blog Articles

Supporting Things Close To Your Heart

Supporting Things Close To Your Heart

Read More »
Gluten Free

How to Easily Transition To A Gluten Free Diet

Read More »
Happy Holidays

Healthy Holiday Cooking Tips – 2022

Read More »
  • Go to page 1
  • Go to page 2
  • Go to page 3
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Go to page 55
  • Go to Next Page »

Send Us A Message

Footer

triw-logo-link2-with-URL-e1576220504179-1@2x-min

Quick Links

  • About
  • Testimonials
  • Blog
  • Member’s Area
  • Contact

Services

  • Personal Wellness Services
  • Festival Wellness Services
  • Executive Function Coaching

Newsletter Signup

Get the latest wellness, nutrition, fitness, and 
mental health tips and news from Tri-Wellness 
delivered straight to your inbox.
Subscribe Now

Copyright 2022. Lisa Shanken. All Rights Reserved
Designed and Developed by Gloss

  • Disclosure Policy
  • Medical Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service