There are several misconceptions about weight loss and healthy eating, as well as hundreds of myths. For example, it is thought that healthy food must taste bad because there is generally low to no sodium in the meal. On the contrary, healthy meals can taste just as good as sodium-ridden ones! It's all about the spices and herbs you use. Yes, it is a change of palate to appreciate a low sodium or sodium free meal, but you must approach it with an open mind.
Along with lowering or eliminating sodium from your diet, sugar should also be scaled back. We don't always realize just how much sugar we consume on a daily basis. There are the obvious culprits- juice, soda, candy, ice cream. But there are also foods that we don't always think about- fruit, soy sauce, canned fish, bread, potato chips, ketchup, granola bars, etc. Always look at the label before devouring food! And just because it tastes like it needs salt of sugar, it doesn't! Over the years, your palate and taste has adjusted to the added sugar and salt, so when you think you need that extra pinch, resist! Your palate will adjust with time, but allow your body that time to get used to less sugar and salt.
Another thing that people get caught up in is snacking and overindulging. The average human should eat a meal every 2-3 hours. A "meal" is ANYTHING YOU EAT! Say you wake up at 7am. You should have breakfast to start your metabolism and get your body ready for the day. 2 hours later, you should have something to eat... another "meal". This meal should be a banana, a green apple, maybe some baby carrots. 3 hours later it's time for lunch. A green salad with vinegar is best: the natural fat in the salad will make you feel full, and there's no added salt or sugar in the salad. If you want an extra kick, add some ground pepper! 2 hours after lunch, another snack! Think veggies like carrots and celery. I'm sure you get the picture by now.
Now, we all like our sweets, but sugar adds pounds onto the average human every year (think 5-10 pounds). When dessert comes, go for a fruit salad and black coffee or tea. If at home, reach for a dark chocolate bar, 70% or more cocoa. The more cocoa in the chocolate bar, the less added/refined sugar is added.
Lastly, exercise! Saying you walk from the train to the door every day doesn't count. You should be exercising at least 30 minutes every day! Think a brisk walk, a jog, weight lifting, swimming, playing a sport, or even playing your Wii fitness! That 30 minutes exercises your mind, your muscles, and most importantly your heart. It gets your heart beating faster, which increases blood flow and reduces things like plaque build-up in your arteries.