5 Myths of Weight Loss

Myth: Carbs Are All Bad

It's a myth that all carbohydrates are bad. But that doesn't mean there's nothing to learn from low-carb diets.
Carbs are not all created equal, and you want to avoid processed carbs that are often high in sugar and white flour. Instead, enjoy beans, whole grains
-- think brown rice and whole grain breads -- and don't forget fruits and vegetables, which provide a host of nutrients and fiber, are low in calories, and can help reduce the risks of several diseases.

The body also uses carbs as fuel during exercise to burn body fat, another great reason to keep the bread basket on the menu.

Myth: Certain Foods Make You Burn Calories

There is conflicting information about whether or not certain foods can increase your metabolic rate, making you burn more calories. While different foods offer different health benefits, people are often left wondering if calories vary from one food to the next.

A calorie is a calorie, regardless of where it comes from. There are no foods that increase your metabolic rate, or help you burn calories. Even if certain foods do increase your metabolism, the amount is too insignificant to make it a magic bullet.

Instead, try weight lifting. Why? Because by building muscle you increase the number of calories your body burns when at rest. Also eat foods with a high water and fiber content because they stay in your system longer, a plus for taking off the pounds.

Myth: If You Eat and Exercise Consistently, You Will Never Gain Weight

You need to be willing to make lifestyle changes and dietary adjustments as you age, change, and grow. The fact is, your metabolism slows down as you age. As a result, you often have to either eat less or exercise more to avoid gaining weight. The biggest change usually occurs around the age of 40. Your metabolism will continue to slow down more gradually over the years, so always keep your food and exercise plan flexible.

When it comes to diet and exercise, the only thing that you can really be certain of is that there will be new weight loss schemes with every new day. By keeping informed -- and raising your eyebrow when in doubt -- you will be better prepared to navigate the never-ending supply of conflicting weight loss advice.