26 Weight-Loss Myths You Shouldn’t Believe

When it comes to losing weight, there are a lot of misconceptions and just plain half-baked advice out there. Not only can believing them derail your diet efforts, it can also mess with your health. We consulted with experts to pinpoint the most notorious (and plan-sabotaging) weight-loss myths, and get the truth about how you can shed pounds safely and smartly. Oh, and if someone tries to offer you any of these “tips”? Just cue up your favorite workout mix, put your earbuds in, and tune them out.

Myth: A detox is a good way to make a clean start

“Most of the time, detox diets are more like a crash diet,” says Melissa Rifkin, MS, RD, a bariatric dietitian at Montefiore Health System in New York City. “They restrict certain food groups and sometimes deprive the body of adequate calories and nutrition for a short period of time.” In fact, detox diets are notorious for causing weight gain: “When the body feels deprived and then foods are reintroduced, our bodies will regain more weight as if in fear of another starvation or restriction,” Rifkin says. If a detox appeals to you, consult with your doctor on whether or not the benefits it promises are the real deal.

Excerpted from Health

Read Full Articles