10 Misconceptions About Diet Habits

Actions taken for weight loss may actually be unhelpful for dieting. This article explores common mistakes made by people who fail at dieting, as reported by the American health media 'WebMD'.

Extremely Restrictive Calorie Intake Restricting calorie intake to an extreme degree is not helpful for dieting. Relying on simple foods like cabbage soup or consuming only certain foods such as grapes to quickly lose weight is not advisable. While reducing daily calorie intake to less than 1000 kcal will naturally lead to weight loss, it also slows down metabolism. Ultimately, the body becomes less efficient at burning calories, and when dieting is stopped, weight gain occurs again, leading to the yo-yo effect.

Skipping breakfast can lead to unplanned snacking or overeating at the next meal, causing daily calorie intake to spike. Eating a breakfast rich in protein and fiber helps maintain a feeling of fullness for a longer period, supporting healthy weight loss.

◇Do not calculate snack calorie intake When dieting, you should calculate the calories of all foods consumed, no matter how small the amount. A single piece of chocolate or a bag of snacks eaten casually can ruin your diet plan. It is advisable to carefully record the calories of snacks consumed on smartphones, laptops, etc.

◇Not eating snacks at all Eating small meals and snacks several times a day helps control hunger and aids in weight loss. In particular, snacks rich in protein have the effect of activating metabolism, so it is good to consume small amounts of high-protein snacks such as protein and eggs.

◇Over-relying on low-fat products and excessively consuming low-fat foods is not advisable. Low-fat foods are not always low-calorie foods, and because people feel reassured by the fact that they are low-fat, they tend to overeat compared to eating regular foods. A study from Cornell University in the United States found that normal-weight individuals consume an average of 28% more calories when eating low-fat foods than when eating regular foods, and obese individuals consume an average of 45% more calories.

◇Additional calorie intake from beveragesAlcoholic drinks, liquid fructose, and sugar-containing beverages add unnecessary calories. Moreover, because they are in liquid form, they are quickly absorbed into the body, causing a rapid increase in blood sugar levels, so caution is advised.

◇Drink Less Water Water is an essential factor in burning calories. When the body lacks water, metabolism slows down, and the rate of weight loss also decreases. For adults, it is recommended to drink 7 to 8 glasses of water a day, and after meals and snacks, it is important to drink a glass of water each time.

<Source: Health Chosun>