Guest Author - Stephanie Watson
The public suffers a lot of confusion over the various weight loss methods and the so-called scientific information that they read today. Proponents of every diet, including high-carb diets, low-carb diets, raw food diets, vegan diets, no-fat diets, high-fat diets and so on, all provide scientific proof and explanations of how their diet is the best one for all humans. This can cause severe diet confusion among those of us who are trying to approach weight loss in a healthy way.
These one size fits all plans avoid one important consideration. You are unique. Your body may have similar nutritional needs as the human next to you, but it's a lot more complicated than that. This is why some people can eat all the wrong things and still have great blood test results. Yet, another person can eat plenty of healthy food and still have low vitamin D, vitamin B12, and low Iron levels. They're just wired that way. This is why any weight loss plan must be unique to you and based on your individual needs and yes, desires. Why? Because you're not going to stick to something that goes against your basic desires.
There are some things you can do to lower your confusion about weight loss information.
Question Everything
Everything you read, even so-called scientific research needs to be questioned. Today, many research articles come from paid sources who are paid to find and dig up scientific proof that supports their particular diet. Even if something is a government guideline it is okay to question it. Remember, at least in the USA we have lobbying groups from each industry guiding the prevailing government recommendations when it comes to diet.
Who Paid for It?
When you read a piece an article, it's always good to follow the money trail. Who paid for the article? Was there something to gain by ensuring that the reader believe a certain thing whether true or not? Is the person who wrote the article paid by an independent source or by the industry promoting the specific stance?
Is the research used valid?
How many times has similar research been conducted that resulted in the same outcome? Was the research done independently of the group reporting the research, or does the group get something out of paying for a specific result? Was the research peer-reviewed and has it been published in academic journals and books? What methods were used during the research? Is the research anecdotal or based on true qualitative evidence?
Whose ideological stance?
We all have ideological stances and tend to believe those who report ideas that we already hold dear. It's easy to be swayed by those who hold the same ideas that we do, but what about those who have different ideas? Are we listening to those too, based on the criteria above? If the research is valid, independent, and a specific result is obtained many times it might be a good idea to forget our ideology for a moment to truly understand the lessons to be learned from the research.
It is significant to note that there is likely a little truth in everything you read about weight loss. But it is also important to understand that some people, just like you, have their own agenda and will twist the results in their own favor. Ensure that when you read something, you take it in, consider it, and read more about the same subject before totally changing your lifestyle based on one article or one piece of research.
Additionally, remember that you are unique and what may be true for another person may not be true for you. Know yourself, and you'll reduce your confusion drastically.
