Many have fallen victim to marketing schemes making extravagant claims that you will rapidly shed pounds while continuing to eat everything in sight. Let's consider a number of the most well-known myths out there about this industry. Some of the more popular stories going around about the industry are these.

Myth #1: Avoid carbohydrates. This is perpetuated by the most famous high protein diets-the Atkins diet, South beach and a whole lot of other popular diets that promotes a diet rich in protein and low in carbohydrates. While such diets can produce significant weight loss in a short amount of time, the results are hardly long lasting and as soon as you start eating normally again, the weight comes plummeting back, even more than before!

Myth # 2: Genetics is the biggest factor. To a certain extent, genetics do play a role ion determining your metabolic rate, but this doesn't meant hat your fate is sealed if you have obese parents and grandparents. The most important factor in determining your success in any weight loss program is the number of calories you eat and the amount of physical activity you get in a single day. Genetics do play a role in determining how much calories you will burn, as those with slower metabolic rates may burn calories much slower than those who are active and have higher metabolic rates. But there are always ways you can rev up a slow metabolism so don't ever use this excuse.

Myth # 3: Fat must be avoided. Some individuals are of the view that cutting down on fat is essential during a weight loss program. But the key to effective fat control is cutting down on the dangerous fats and increasing your intake of the good fat. Instead of eating unhealthy, like Trans fat and saturated fat, you should eat foods, such as fish, olive oil and avacados, that contain the healthy polyunsaturated fat and Omega-3 fats.

Myth # 4: Skipping meals. Foregoing the meals can actually be counter-productive because your metabolism is reduced, making it harder to lose weight. Eating regular meals is important. For it to be beneficial to you, salads, vegetables, nuts, and fruits need to be consumed by you. Substitute a good-sized piece of watermelon when you are craving a serving of ice-cream.

Myth # 5: No white food. Regardless of myths, there are "white" foods that are healthy, what is important are the nutrients not the color, examples are pears, avocadoes, and nuts.

Myth # 6: The Grapefruit Miracle. This is one myth which is not based on reality. There is a group of individuals who are promoting grapefruit as a way to lose fat. In fact there is one small isolated research that states that there is a a magic fat-burning enzyme that can help you lose weight simply by consuming this fruit. No one has any truth to these claims as of yet,nobody is positive as to whether or not the citrus industry assisted in paying for those studies. Great levels of lycopene are available in grapefruits, and this ingredient has been proven to strengthen cellular health, preventing cancer and heart diseases.

Now we have dealt with the six most popular dieting misapprehensions you may have heard people talk about. After busting popular myths about weight loss, you can take the first step down the path to your weight loss goal.