My Problem With the Abundance of Misinformation Out There
This past weekend I had some very interesting conversations regarding fitness and nutritional needs. After dispelling the myths these people thought to be true, I decided to put together a list of things that are red flags for anyone giving you "information" or "advice" about how you should be exercising, weight lifting, or eating.
The first of these (and I think the most popular) is the "well I heard that..." statement. When you are bestowing this amazing gem of knowledge upon someone, where did you hear it from? Did you read it in a credible source with scientific proof or is it from an expert stating factual information? I would really rather not follow advice that you heard from some random person at the gym who probably heard it from someone else. It is similar to that children's game "telephone". One person says something and by the time you get to the end, it is so far from the truth it cannot be trusted anymore.
Secondly, one of the worst things I can hear someone say is "there's this new diet I'm trying". Diet companies spend millions of dollars selling people on diets that "work". The truth is, most diets fail and any results someone may be experiencing are most likely temporary. According to Julie Garden-Robinson, an extension food and nutrition specialist at NDSU says that about 95 percent of fad diets fail. The truth is, eating and living healthy is not about doing something for three months but making permanent lifestyle changes. Do not follow the latest diet trend; follow the tried and true method of eating healthy and exercising regularly.
Lastly, if anyone ever tells you that you can lift weights or perform endless crunches to "turn fat into muscle", just walk away because that person does not know what they are talking about. If you have a lot of abdominal fat, all the ab exercises in the world will not reduce the fat levels. It will only strengthen the muscle tissues. To reduce body fat (anywhere on your body), you must go into a calorie negative state meaning you burn more calories than you consume. While the action of performing weighted exercises does indeed burn calories, the body fat one hopes to lose will not magically turn into muscle.
Always remember, there are no shortcuts. Remain focused on nutrition, a strong cardio program, and a great weight lifting routine. These three elements are critical to success and all demand your attention.