Calories and Weight: Myth vs. Fact

Getting to the healthiest weight possible is a goal that most of us share. Unfortunately, the journey there is often blocked with misinformation. Break through the myths to get the real low down on the best ways to achieve your goal weight and get in the right amount of calories per day.

Myth: Fat calories make fat bodies.
Fact: While eating fat in moderation is healthy for a balanced diet, the grams of fat you consume won't necessarily end up as fat on your body. Fat is created from excess calories. If you eat 1,000 calories of non-fat foods over the calorie intake needed for the day, those calories would still be stored as fat. What matters when it comes to weight gain is the amount of calories consumed and the amount of energy burned through working out. That's true according to WomenFitness.net.

Myth: Carbohydrates are bad for you.
Fact: Carbohydrates are actually good for you when eaten in moderation. Complex carbohydrates are always better than simple carbohydrates; simply put, whole wheat bread and whole grain foods are better for you that white bread and pasta. Carbohydrates give your body the energy it needs to work out and complete other challenging tasks. Dana Ellis, RD. UCLA Clinical dietitian, states in her paper, "Why Carbohydrates Are Good for You": "The truth is that your body actually needs carbohydrates to function at its optimal level."

Myth: Eating after 8 p.m. will sabotage your weight loss efforts.
Fact: If you are going to eat a doughnut, it's just as bad at 8 a.m. as it is at 8 p.m. While you will probably feel more uncomfortable if you eat just before bedtime, as long as you stay within your calorie limit for the day, it doesn't matter what time you eat. This has been proven time and again, despite prevailing myths in pop culture.

Myth: A fast will jump start your weight loss efforts.
Fact: While one will lose weight while fasting, it ultimately slows down the metabolism. Weight lost during a fast is quickly gained back. It's never a quick fix for weight loss goals.

Myth: A pound of food eaten means gaining a pound of fat.
Fact: You gain one pound of fat for every 3,500 calories you eat that are in excess of the calories needed by your body for everyday functioning. The actual weight of food has nothing to do with weight gain.

Myth: Green tea will speed up your metabolism.
Fact: While green tea can up your metabolism, it does so by a very small amount, and one has to drink several cups daily. Even so, it doesn't replace the need for exercise and eating in moderation. Most caffeinated beverages will up the metabolism somewhat, but this doesn't truly effect weight loss. However, green tea has many health benefits, and it's recommended for a refreshing, healthy beverage.

Myth: Counting calories is detrimental.
Fact: While there are certain groups of people that shouldn't count calories, most people can greatly benefit by tracking their caloric intake. It makes you aware of how many calories you need to maintain, lose and gain weight. Every individual is different, and keeping an account of your own needs can only help you with your weight loss plan.

Sources cited:
http://www.goaskalice.columbia.edu/2225.html
http://www.dietitian.com/calories.html#15
http://www.webmd.com/news/19991128/green-tea-boosts-metabolism-protects-against-diseases