Myth one: Stay away from the scale.

Originally it was said that you should, instead of focusing on the numbers, pay attention to how your clothes fit. However, recent studies show that regularly stepping on the scale is linked to better weight loss. Now it is said that you should step on the scale first thing every morning. However sources say you should not let the numbers determine how you will feel about yourself, instead you should just use the numbers to be sure that the method that you are using is actually working.

Myth two: Eat mindfully.

Mindful eating works well for people who have a lot of time on their hands. In this method, you should chew each bite slowly and savor the flavor and stop eating when you feel full. However, if you are busy and on the run all of the time or if you have little self-discipline, this can be very frustrating. This just causes people to feel bad about themselves due to the fact that they feel they have no willpower, experts say. Our instincts tell us to eat a lot of high caloried foods and it is hard to break that instinct.

Experts say you should switch to 10 inch dinner plates so that the portions of serving sizes are smaller. Also, desserts should be put on a high shelf where they are harder to get to.

Myth three: Everything in moderation.

Research has found that a few nibbles of bad for you food sparks overeating. People who ate a small amount of chocolate wanted to eat high calorie foods. There is no need to place the label of “forbidden” on all sweets and desserts. Just focus on the ones that you are out of control with. Rather say, this food does not work for me. Studies have also proven that it is all in your mind. If you believe that one piece of chocolate is enough, then that is what you will eat.

Myth four: Shop only the perimeter of the grocery store.

This myth is incorrect in the fact that in the center of the store you will find a lot of weight loss assisting foods. For instance, the center of the store holds whole grain cereals, nuts, etc. However, you will also have to pass by those tempting treats like chips, candy and pasta. Experts say to choose grains like cereals and pastas that contain a minimum of 3 grams of fiber per serving. Also “whole” should be listed as the first ingredient.

Myth five: Begin drinking diet soda instead.

It is a myth to think that switching will make you loose weight due to the fact that you are consuming less calories. In fact, studies have shown that people who drink artificially sweeted drinks have higher BMI’s. Many people believe that ordering a diet drink will make it ok to have that double meat with cheese hamburger. Experts say it is best to stay hydrated with water and seltzer.

Tags: diet, lose weight, tips