We learned last week that one of the top diet myths is to never eat past a certain time in the evening. Since this can lead to a slower metabolism, it can actually hinder your weight loss efforts. This week, we will cover another myth for losing weight that can prevent you from reaching your goal. Read on to learn Diet Myth Number 2 in our set of 5 Diet Myths you need to know.
Diet Myth Number 2: Eating Only When You Are Hungry
So many times when trying to begin or stay on a diet or weight loss regimen, you will read or hear that you should only eat when you are hungry. The problem with this diet myth is that once you physically feel hunger pangs, it is already too late. At the point when you feel hungry, your metabolism has already slowed and everything you put into your mouth at that point will be stored in your body. Not only that, but if you wait until you feel famished, you may make bad choices on the foods you eat, either in type or amount. Granted, the beginning of a diet may leave you feeling more hungry than usual, but once you have changed your dietary habits for a week or two, your stomach will have likely shrunk and you won’t feel hungry as often. It is at this point that you need to ignore this myth that can interfere with weight loss.
A Better Option
It is important not to misunderstand this myth, however. While you don’t want to eat only when you are hungry, this doesn’t mean you should eat any time you want to just because you have a craving for something sweet-tasting or you are bored. Mindless noshing is not what we are suggesting. Instead, it is important to have a regularly scheduled meal or snack. While there will of course be days in which you find yourself missing one of your scheduled eating times. However, if you can stick to a plan for all meals and healthy snacks for 90% of the time, you will likely see the weight loss results you want.
Busting the Diet Myth
It makes sense to mistakenly believe the diet myth that you should only eat when you are hungry. But if you are counting calories or carbs or points or using some other method to regulate your intake of food, there is no reason you should wait until you feel famished to eat. Instead, create a plan for the day: have times for small meals, times for healthy snacks, and times for exercise. Once you are on a schedule such as this, your body will learn to expect the foods at those times and your metabolism will stay consistent at a faster rate, which can result in successful weight loss. As a bonus, you won’t have to feel hungry past the first week or two of your diet. And that’s a diet myth busting worth celebrating!
Thanks for reading our article! If you are ready to stock up on great low carb low calorie snacks to schedule into your daily allowance, visit us at ThinSlim Foods! And be sure to watch for Diet Myth Number 3 next week!