Does skipping meals help you lose weight?

Many people believe that skipping meals will help them lose weight, but experts advise that skipping one meal will cause them to eat more at the next meal - Illustration: BBC

These misconceptions can lead you to make choices that do not suit your needs and affect your health and well-being. Among these, the following factors are misunderstood by many people.

Carbohydrates are the "enemy"

Many dietary trends recommend carbohydrates (carbs) as bad, but in fact carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body.

Not all carbs are created equal, however. Sugary snacks are often high in carbohydrates but low in essential nutrients. On the other hand, carbohydrates from fruits, vegetables, dairy, and whole grains are rich in vitamins and minerals.

If you completely eliminate carbohydrates from your diet, you may not meet your nutritional needs and may feel sluggish. Restricting carbs can also lead to long-term health problems such as poor blood sugar control, heart problems, and weight gain. The trick is to choose healthy carbs.

Eating at night makes you gain more weight

Eating at night will make you gain more weight than you should is a common nutritional myth. Your body doesn't automatically store more fat because you eat late in the day. Weight gain occurs when you consume more calories than you burn, regardless of when you eat during the day.

It's important to choose nutrient-dense foods that contain fiber, protein, and healthy fats, which can promote better sleep and help prevent overeating.

Skipping meals will help you lose weight

When you skip meals, your body can make you anxious and hungry, storing fat for energy. This can slow down your metabolism and make it difficult to lose weight in the long run.

Skipping meals can leave you feeling hungrier and causing you to overeat at your next meal. Research shows that eating several small, balanced meals throughout the day helps maintain steady energy levels and prevents overeating.

Natural sugar is found in many fruits - Illustration: TTO

Avoid the road at all costs

Eating too much sugar can cause health problems, but your body still needs some sugar for energy. Completely eliminating sugar from your diet can leave you deficient in important nutrients.

Be mindful of added sugars in your diet and prioritize natural sugars found in complex carbohydrates. Choose foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and dairy products instead of foods high in refined sugars.

Eating more protein helps you gain muscle

Many people think that eating more protein will help you build muscle. However, protein is only part of the equation. Protein is essential for muscle growth, but you also need to exercise to increase muscle mass.

If you eat a lot of protein without exercising, your body may not be able to use all of that protein and the excess may be converted to fat.

Organic food is always good for health

Some people believe that organic food is healthier than non-organic food. However, this is not entirely true. Organic food can be good for you, but it is not always better than conventional options.

Focus on a balanced diet instead of just choosing organic foods.

You need to drink 8 glasses of water a day

For many years, the standard recommendation for staying hydrated has been to drink eight glasses of water a day. However, this may not be appropriate for everyone. The amount of water you need depends on factors such as your age, activity level, medical history, and the weather.

Certain foods, such as fruits and vegetables, can also help you stay hydrated. It's important to listen to your body and drink when you feel thirsty. Focusing solely on the eight-glass-a-day number can cause you to ignore your body's signals and not adjust to external factors.

Eat healthy and varied

There is no one-size-fits-all nutritional formula. Healthy eating should be tailored to your individual needs and lifestyle. The key is to incorporate a variety of foods and aim for a balanced diet.

Talk to a certified nutritionist if you have questions about popular nutrition trends and how they can impact your health goals.

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Source: https://tuoitre.vn/bo-bua-co-giup-ban-giam-can-20250413092952863.htm