Welcome to our fifth installment of the “Myths About Weight Loss” it is part of a series. We aim to inspire you to achieve a happy belly, a balanced body, mind, and spirit, and especially to prioritize your good health.
“I was expecting a crash diet and to be somewhat miserable for a few weeks, but nothing could be further from the truth. I lost the weight I wanted and picked up some new eating habits that are easy and sustainable.” — Michael M., SF
Time to Get Off the Self-Loathing Bandwagon
We’ve all been conditioned to think that if we’re overweight, it’s because we lack self-control. The belief is that sticking to a diet will make us skinny, beautiful, and happy. So, we make ambitious New Year’s resolutions, give them our all, and inevitably, we fail. This cycle sets us up for failure by not recognizing that a diet alone isn’t the answer to losing weight and gaining health.
Myth #4: As Long as You Are Self-Disciplined, a Diet Will Always Work
It’s a weight loss myth that self-discipline is all it takes to lose weight. In reality, many factors influence our ability to shed pounds, including:
Hormones
- Hormones play a significant role in weight loss. Our body’s “thermostat,” the thyroid gland, primarily controls metabolism and is highly influenced by stress hormones. Chronic stress causes the body to conserve energy and resist burning fat. In fact, an excess of stress hormones can make it impossible to lose weight.
- Hormones play a significant role in weight loss. Our body’s “thermostat,” the thyroid gland, primarily controls metabolism and is highly influenced by stress hormones. Chronic stress causes the body to conserve energy and resist burning fat. In fact, an excess of stress hormones can make it impossible to lose weight.
Metabolism and Calorie Restriction
- Severe calorie restriction can stress the body, slowing down metabolism and causing weight retention. Ironically, extreme calorie cutting is one of the most effective ways to permanently slow your metabolism.
- Severe calorie restriction can stress the body, slowing down metabolism and causing weight retention. Ironically, extreme calorie cutting is one of the most effective ways to permanently slow your metabolism.
So, What Should You Do?
- Avoid Refined Carbs and Sugars
- Eat More Vegetables (aim for half your plate)
- Increase Natural Fats in your diet to boost satiety
- Add Sweet Vegetables to satisfy your craving for sweets
- Make Lunch a Bigger Meal than dinner
- Don’t Skip Breakfast; ensure it’s full of protein and fat to keep you satisfied and less likely to crave sugar later in the day
- Swap Out Desserts for Fresh Fruit
The Bottom Line
Chasing skinny through fad diets and unrealistic expectations will only lead to frustration. Restricting calories may give an illusion of control, but it’s not a sustainable way to lose weight long-term. Instead, free yourself from diet obsession and learn real tools to eat healthier and lose weight.
CURB YOUR CRAVINGS®
Lose Weight for the Long Run
Learn to Eat for Nutrition & Enjoyment
Trying to lose weight? You’re not alone. More than two-thirds of American adults are overweight or obese, a trend fueled by our culture of take-out and eating on the go. That’s why we’ve developed the Curb Your Cravings Weight-Loss Program. With the right support tools, you can achieve long-lasting results while becoming a healthier and more balanced you.
“I highly recommend Happy Belly Health if you’re looking for a reset and a better relationship with food.” – Maddy, San Francisco
HAPPY BELLY HEALTH®
shanti@happybellyhealth.com
