Don't be surprised if something you thought was true isn't. Many of us often take the wrong approach to weight loss because we believe it means eating less or eating healthier foods.

Food Myth #1 - Cutting down on portion size is the best way to lose weight. Not true - If you attempt to lose weight just by cutting down on portion size you are likely to gain the weight right back. This approach can result sending your body into starvation mode which results in the storing of more fat and calories which slows the weight loss process. Long lasting weight loss results will come from the types of food you eat not just the amount.

Food Myth #2 - Cut out the fat and you'll lose weight. This approach to losing weight simply doesn't work. Just because a food is labeled 'Fat Free' does not mean that it is low in calories. Low fat foods may still have lots of sugar and carbohydrates in them. Many 'Low Fat' foods are labeled that way as an attempt to hide their true weight gaining properties. However, reducing your saturated fat intake is a good for your weight loss program, it just isn't enough by itself.

Food Myth #3 - Reducing calories will enhance weight loss. Not always true - the most your body will accept is a 15% reduction of total calories burned per day. Eating too few calories can result in loss of muscle mass which will eventually slow metabolism. Stick to the calorie count that is right for your body.

Instead of eating three big meals a day spread the calories out over the day. Eat 5 smaller meals about 2-3 hours apart. Doing this will speed up your metabolism without having to give up the foods you like.

Food Myth #4 - High protein diets cause ketosis, which reduces hunger. Ketosis occurs when fat is used as an energy source instead of carbohydrates during high protein diets. Ketone bodies are produced which turn your breath a bad fruity odor. Ketone bodies do not reduce hunger, however, eating sufficient protein can reduce hunger and enhance weight loss.

No matter what your goals a high protein diet can be good for you. Whether your goal is gaining weight, losing weight, increasing muscle mass or getting big a high protein diet could be right for you.

Food Myth #5 - Exercise alone can help reduce your weight. Not quite true - while exercise is an important part of any diet, exercise alone is not the best way to lose weight. Exercising for even an hour burns sadly few calories. Combining a healthy eating plan with calorie reduction and exercise is the best way to lose weight effectively and keep it off.

Losing weight is simple, burn more calories than you eat. There are many ways to increase the number of calories that you burn. Unfortunately too much strenuous exercise will result in burning more muscle mass than fat. A high protein diet along with light exercise will increase your metabolism and burn more  fat calories.

Herbalife ShapeWorks weight loss programs are designed to give you the nutrition you need to lose weight. It is no myth that these weight loss programs work.

See Also:
Digestive Health - Herbal supplements that improve your digestion.
Herbal Catalog - For all your herbal nutrition needs.
Weight Management Programs. Herbalife ShapeWorks weight loss programs.
Shake Recipes - The many benefits of the aloe vera plant.

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