10 weight loss myths that wont help you during menopause

You’ve noticed a little weight gain here and there; it’s normal during menopause. With good intentions, you set out to reduce your calorie intake with a sensible diet. Before you begin, though, there are some menopausal weight loss urban legends you should discard. Keep reading to find out what they are so that you don’t fall into these 10 dieting traps.

All fat is bad.

You’ve got the right idea; you just need to fine-tune your theory. When it comes to fat content, some foods are better than others. The kind of fat you want to cut out is saturated fats. Opt instead for nuts and lean meats like chicken, pork tenderloin and extra lean beef. The truth is everyone needs some fat because it helps you to feel full longer and it helps your body take in nutrients.

I shouldn’t eat carbohydrates.

Once again, this generalization is too broad. The kind of carbohydrates to avoid are refined carbohydrates, which are usually found in processed foods. Complex carbs such as whole grain bread, whole grain pasta, and beans will give you enough fiber to remain regular. They’ll also help you feel full longer.

If I skip a meal, I can cut calories.

Those few calories you avoid by not eating now will catch up with you later—and multiply. People who skip meals generally overeat later in the day because their hunger has turned into starvation. Also, skipping meals signals to your body to be conservative with energy stores, so your metabolism will slow down.

I need to follow a high-protein diet to lose weight.

The key to maintaining a healthy diet is balance. You should never get all of your nutrition from one food group. In addition, eating a high-protein diet can result in taking in too much cholesterol and fat, which can put your heart health in jeopardy.

Following a [insert food here] diet is a surefire way to drop pounds.

Every year it seems there is a new “vegetable juice diet” or a “grapefruit diet” that promises a trimmer waistline and rapid results. These diets may help you lose weight fast, but you probably won’t be able to maintain that weight loss once the diet is over. You should never completely stop eating any one type of food. Aim for a balanced meal plan instead.

I should buy everything in a low-fat/fat-free version.

Sometimes, people interpret low-fat and fat-free as “good for you.” Do you ever wonder how they make it taste so good without all the fat? Many foods that are low-fat or fat-free, such as crackers, salad dressing and prepackaged snacks, are loaded with sugar or starch to replace the fat. Also, don’t be fooled into thinking that low-fat or fat-free means that you can eat more of that food; many of these snacks have the same calorie content as their full-fat counterparts.

I can’t eat fast food. EVER!

With the push to offer healthier choices, many fast food menus make it easier for you to pick a meal that won’t wreck your diet. Even if you choose a classic like a hamburger, you can cut calories by ditching the fries and avoiding calorie-laden condiments like mayo and cheese.

I should do all cardio at the gym and skip the weight lifting.

Cardio will strengthen your heart and help you burn calories, but you should balance it with weightlifting. Contrary to conventional wisdom, weightlifting will not make you bulky. It tones your body so that you’ll be leaner and firmer, and the added muscle will help you burn more calories all day.

Eating after 7:00 p.m. is a no-no.

Your food doesn’t have an internal clock, so it’s not going to magically acquire more calories than if you were to eat it earlier in the day. If you’re prone to eating later at night, go ahead and have a snack. Just make sure you haven’t exhausted your calorie count for the day, and make smart decisions with your food at all times.

I can’t have dessert.

For dieters with a sweet tooth, this is the deal breaker. There’s a way to satisfy your palate without undoing all of your progress. If you often crave sweets, try eating fruit instead of cakes and candy. And remember that it’s okay to indulge every once in a while. Just don’t overdo portion sizes or frequency.

More Information about Weight Gain during Menopause:

The average woman will gain up to 15 pounds in her 40s and 50s due to hormonal changes during menopause. Click the following link to learn more about how to compare the different menopausal weight gain treatments available.

To learn more about Weight Gain