This is part three of a month-long series by registered dietitian Leslie Beck. You can read part one here and part two here.
Losing weight tops many people’s New Year resolution list. It’s not surprising since most of us spend December celebrating with food and drink, rather than at the gym.
Weight loss myths
If you have resolved to shed excess weight this year – and for good – you might be wondering where to start. Should you count calories? Cut carbohydrates? Properly combine foods? Eat grapefruit with meals?
Weight loss is surrounded by myths and gimmicks, some which could harm your overall diet.
Don't let these weight loss myths sabotage your diet:
How to spot a diet scam
If you’re looking for a diet book or weight loss program to help you achieve your 2105 goal, you need to be a smart consumer. Promises of fast and effortless weight loss are designed to appeal to frustrated yo-yo dieters and people wanting a quick fix.
But many diet scams are unsafe and can cause dehydration, nutrient deficiencies and fatigue. To separate the scams from the sensible, here are three red flags to look for.
And be sure to ask these questions before you buy into any diet:
A healthy breakfast is key
One of the keys to successful weight loss is breakfast. Eating the right breakfast keeps you feeling satisfied until lunchtime so you’re able to resist the tray of cookies at your morning meeting. It also fends off cravings later in the day. Eating the morning meal also helps control appetite and cravings later in the day.
There’s one ingredient that’s key, though, and that’s protein. Studies show that dieters who eat protein-packed breakfasts lose more weight and report less hunger than those who include less protein at the meal.
Watch this to learn tips on building a healthy, satisfying breakfast:
Foods that fend off hunger
Feeling hungry all the time is a sure-fire way to fall off your diet. Besides including appetite-supressing protein to meals and snacks, there are other tricks that can fend off hunger.
Don't let hunger ruin your day! Here's how to control it: