In the world of health and fitness, myths and misconceptions abound. It's crucial to separate fact from fiction to achieve your wellness goals to be able to make the most educated choices around your personal journey. This post aims to debunk some of the most common fitness and nutrition myths, so that you can make decisions around your health and wellness with confidence.
Myth 1: Eating Less is Always Better
Many believe that drastically cutting calories is the key to weight loss. However, this can lead to a lowering your metabolic needs and nutrient deficiencies. It's more effective to focus on the quality of food rather than just quantity.
Focus on more, not less.It's easy to focus on all of the foods you should probably cut out, but it's more sustainable to include more of the foods you should be having in a surplus. Take your attention off of the sugar, processed foods, and breads. Put your attention on the protein, micronutrients, and color on your plate.
Myth 2: You Must Workout Every Day
The belief that more exercise equals better results is misleading. Rest days are essential for muscle recovery and overall balance. A well-structured fitness plan includes adequate rest.I used to be someone in the gym 6-7 days a week for hours on end during my bodybuilding career.I would be all-consuming of my day and schedule, leaving me less time for things that carried more value in my life.Being in the gym 4 days per week, not only allows you to maximize your time in the gym, but you may even start looking forward to it after a few recovery days! To figure out how many days a week would be best for you, check out my IG post here:
Labeling foods as "good" or "bad" can create an unhealthy relationship with food. Moderation and balance are key. It's about how these foods fit into your overall diet.Surrounding yourself with healthier food choices often, while not eliminating foods you enjoy completely is a great approach to establishing this balance.I currently have chocolate, cereal, and Reese's in my kitchen because those are things that I enjoy. By being around them often, I am able to establish a balanced approach to decisions around these foods. When we never allow ourself to have certain foods, it creates a stronger desire to have them, often leading to binging tendencies when they are available.
Myth 4: Carbs are the Enemy
Carbohydrates are often demonized in diet culture. However, they're a vital energy source, especially for those leading active lifestyles. The focus should be on choosing complex carbs over simple ones.The reason why you are often sluggish, lazy, or energy-depleted when dieting (hating your life) is probably because you cut large amounts of these major food groups out, which isn't sustainable and we know is not enjoyable.
Understanding the truths behind these myths can empower you to make informed decisions about your health and fitness journey. Remember, a balanced approach is always the best path to sustainable wellness. Buy those Reese's, take a rest day, and have your carbs - then you may even start enjoying the weight loss journey 👀😉
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