There are SO many diet myths out there that simply aren’t proven to be true. AOL Body took the time to go through some of those myths and provide the facts so that no one will have to waist their time trying to lose weight on a grapefruit diet, or eliminating carbohydrates. Today we’ll cover five of those myths, but of course that’s just the beginning of them!

1. Myth: Drinking liquid meal replacements will help shrink your stomach.
   Fact: Liquid diets were meant for babies! The fact of the matter is this - there is nothing that you can do to shrink your stomach. Your stomach is a muscle, and while it may expand while you’re eating, it will return to it’s normal size.  If you feel as though your stomach has shrunk, it’s all in your imagination. They say that over time, you can get used to eating less so it may feel as though your stomach has gotten smaller, but it hasn’t.
2. Myth: Exercising on an empty stomach burns more fat.
   Fact: If you skip a meal before exercising, you won’t have carb stores to burn, but that doesn’t mean that your body will automatically go to your fat stores to burn. What actually happens is that your body could end up burning your muscle which means a lower metabolism.
3. Myth: Eating white foods is bad for you.
   Fact: Never judge a food by its color! Garlic which is white is great for you, as are pears!
4. Myth: Drinking lots of water will help you lose weight.
   Fact: Certainly water is good for you and is needed, but simply drinking extra water is not going to help you lose weight. The important thing to remember is that when you’re hungry, drinking water may help you “feel” full, but those hunger pains are telling you that your body is craving nutrients which water can’t give.
5. Myth:  Calories eaten after 8PM turn to fat.
   Fact: Any time you eat more calories than you burn, they can be stored as fat. According to AOL Body, “whether you consume them during Good Morning America or Letterman doesn’t matter, there is no intrinsic connection between calories and the clock.

Additional Reading:
• Weight Loss Myths and Facts
• Is Aspartame Safe?
• Struggle to Lose Weight - A Lesson in Disguise?
• About
• Welcome to the Figure Friendly Club - Who Writes this Stuff?

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