A Healthy New Year: Myths and Mantras for 2008

Dec. 31, 2007— -- Now that the new year is upon us, many of us can't even look in the mirror without thinking how much weight we've gained over the holidays.

Some fat over here, some fat over there and voila -- our expensive wardrobe does not fit us anymore.

In light of this revelation, we have two choices: either replace the $5,000-plus wardrobe, or get back on a regimen that takes off the weight in the region that we are trying to make leaner, smaller and more attractive. For gentlemen, of course, this means attaining the all-admired six-pack abdominals. For ladies, this means thinner arms, hips and legs.

So now you find yourself standing in front of the mirror, deliberating over what your final decision will be. Which option will you choose? It's hoped the second. But even with this healthy choice, there are issues that you need to be aware of.

Myth No. 1: It takes only two weeks to get back to the stage where you were before.

Sorry, it could take twice as long to lose that extra weight as it did to gain it. A healthy weight loss is not more than between 1 to 2 pounds per week. Anything more than this will be gained back over time -- and will likely have a negative effect on your cardiovascular system to boot. This is because a yo-yo effect in dieting is known to create additional stress on your heart.

Myth No. 2: I can eat whatever I want, as long I eat small portions.

Our body needs nutrients to function, and eating 100 percent processed foods does not give you those nutrients. You need to know what foods you need to increase and what foods you need to avoid. Too little food overall puts your body into a starvation mode. Yes, you will be losing weight but will drive yourself insane at the same time; ever notice the mood swings of crash dieters?

Instead of going overboard, try to find a way to eat so that you feel satisfied but start to listen to your body to know when enough is enough.

Myth No. 3: I can just focus on nutrition and say no to exercise.