Weight Loss Misconceptions

WEIGHT LOSS MISCONCEPTIONS

After weeks of fun-filled family gatherings and buffets of savory and sweet foods, the holiday season is finally coming to a close. We’re one week into 2016 and New Year’s resolutions are in full swing. The most common resolutions are related to physical self-improvement, particularly losing weight.

When trying to lose weight, many people are confused by the common weight loss misconceptions. I’m breaking down three weight loss fallacies that are misleading and giving you the tools needed to combat them.

Eat fat, get skinny

The Standard American Diet (SAD) is predominately composed of carbohydrates, healthy fats, nourishing proteins, and disease-fighting, non-starchy vegetables. A diet high in carbohydrates causes our body to become efficient at burning carbohydrates for fuel but inefficient at burning fat for fuel. A diet that is higher in fats and lower in carbohydrates can actually cause your body to become more efficient at burning fats. Though it sounds counterintuitive, increasing fat intake can actually help you lose fat.

Sugars aren’t just empty calories

Limiting your sugar intake is important, more significant than simply reducing calories. Beyond limiting total sugar intake, you must also recognize which sugars can be most detrimental to your health. Certain sweeteners are more harmful than others. Avoid highly processed forms of sugar like high fructose corn syrup. Did you know that HFCS accounts for 60% to 70% of sugar consumed per person yearly? It’s true! HCFS also acts as a toxin to the liver. Research has shown that increased tolerance for sweets can lead to over consumption, induce insulin resistance, impair glucose intolerance, increased triglycerides, increased weight gain, and increased adipose tissue, which can lead to metabolic syndrome.

I recommend using sweeteners in their whole food form, like dates, grade B maple syrup, fresh fruit, and raw, unfiltered honey. I include these in all the Indulgences section featured in my blog and cookbook.

It’s about quality, not calories

Americans are overfed yet malnourished! Beyond consuming foods void of nutrition, oftentimes, your body can be overwhelmed with an excess of toxins from processed foods. This means that your body lacks the adequate nutrition needed to fuel detox pathways. The toxins get stuffed into storage packages, storing fat.

Medical research has demonstrated that fat cells function as endocrine (hormonal) cells that interfere with the body’s metabolic pathways, causing irregular elevated blood sugar, decreases in calorie burning activity, and allowing for additional fat storage vs. burn. This creates a vicious cycle and further proves that it’s not just about the calories in vs. the calories out.

Ensure nourishment by getting a variety of plant and animal-based nutrients in order to prevent deficiencies. Every nutrient has numerous functions in your body, adding to the overall ability to use energy efficiently and contributes to your overall metabolism.

Two nutrients you should focus on for an optimal metabolism

Chromium:

Chromium enhances the actions of insulin and is necessary for maintaining a normal metabolism and aids in storage of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. Inadequate intake of chromium has been linked to the development of glucose intolerance, which is commonly seen in Type 2 Diabetes. Chromium also helps in raising HDL (good) cholesterol levels and can help in preventing heart disease.

Carnitine:

Since the L-carnitine is involved in cellular metabolism, acetyl-L-carnitine can help increase energy production in the mitochondria, the “power plants” of all cells, which can, in turn, boost physical and mental energy.

Boost and Burn liquid is an easy way to get high doses of ribose and carnitine, both of which aid in maintaining heart health, energy enhancement and muscle recovery. Both nutrients increase cellular energy production as well. Carnitine specifically increases energy levels by helping fat to be burned for energy.

Looking for a way to nourish your body with healthy fats, remove refined sweeteners, and cover your micronutrient needs while providing a structured plan?

My Naturally Nourished: Food-as-Medicine for Optimal Health Cookbook is a great source of information! It provides guidance on the best qualitative ingredients that help reduce inflammation and boost metabolism, which providing 1,200 to 1,800 calorie meal plans. Order your copy today!