All of us would like to believe that we are the experts when it comes to our own bodies. But how many of us actually have medical degrees? We don’t hesitate to listen to our friends’ advice and seldom look to the professionals for the right advice. We become so caught up in what the weight-loss fad is for the day, that we forget to look at what might work for us long term.

One of the quickest ways to lose weight, many people believe, is simply to skip meals. They think “no calories in, no fat gained.” The most common meal to skip is breakfast. In reality, by skipping breakfast, all we are doing is slowing down our metabolism, because our system is trying to survive on what is already in it. In the long run, skipping meals may make you feel less hungry, but eventually your body will get hungry and you may overeat to compensate for what you have been denying your body. The best way for healthy weight loss is to eat three balanced meals per day.

Another way people believe they will increase weight loss is to stop snacking between meals and to deny oneself of dessert.  Although this may seem like a good idea in the beginning, we all know that the more we are denied something, the more we want it. Cravings can be very hard to overcome if you completely deny yourself. Eventually, you will give in and overindulge. If you allow yourself dessert once in a while, instead of every day, you are less likely to go overboard on sweets. When it comes to snacks, healthy snacks are the best. Raw veggies throughout the day can quench those in-between-meal hunger pangs.

How often do you go to bed hungry because you realize too late in the evening that you haven’t had dinner? Who determines what is too late? Most people believe that you should never eat a big meal after 7:00 in the evening. Whether it is 5:00 or 8:00, the determining factor of weight gain is what your physical activity is during the day. Having enough physical activity during the day allows calories to burn, regardless of what time you eat. So if you are going to eat late, whether it is a meal or snack, give the body the time it takes to digest your food. On average it takes your body about 1 ½ hours to digest your food intake. It is never a good idea to go to bed on a full stomach.

Eliminating carbs is another way people believe they can have more successful weight loss. But, the fact is, your system requires carbs to provide energy for the body. By limiting your carb intake to less than 130 grams per day, you are setting yourself up for health issues. You could be opening the door to an excess of uric acid, kidney stones or gout. Whole grains are a necessity in any diet.

So before you take the advice of friends and family as to which best diet plan is best for you, look into what is out there and talk to a professional. You may know your body, but they know your health.