5 Diet Myths That Make You Gain Weight (Page 3)

Myth #2: You Can Lose 10 Pounds in 2 Weeks.

Truth: You probably can lose 10 pounds in two weeks if you crash-diet, but that pace is rarely sustainable—and most of the weight will return once you start eating normally. To truly lose 1 pound, you need to “eliminate” 3,500 calories—the amount stored in a pound of fat—by eating less and moving more. If you cut 500 calories (or cut 300 and burn 200 through exercise) every single day of the week, you’ll lose about a pound a week. And that’s real weight loss. (Be slimmer by next month when you follow one of our delicious 28-day weight-loss menu plans.)

Related: Ten Pounds in 10 Days?

Myth #3: If You Exercise, You Can Eat As Much As You Want »