It seems everyone has the best plan to lose weight, and the harder you look, the more conflicting information on losing weight you seem to find.

Myth #1: If I skip breakfast, I'll be able to lose weight faster.

The truth: It's not good to starve yourself! Generally, people eat a full meal with about five or six hours between the meals. However, there's a much larger time span between dinner and breakfast the next day. If you skip breakfast, you're lengthening that time you don't eat, and there's a much higher chance of overeating at lunch because your body has been deprived of food for so long. Not only that, you need that energy at the start of your day to get you going!

Myth #2: If I eat less at each meal, I'll be able to lose weight.

The truth: Just as in Myth #1, it's important to remember that your body needs a certain amount of energy to function. There's a difference between eating less at each meal and not eating enough, so be sure that you get enough nutrients each day!

Myth #3: Obesity is in my genes, so I'll never reach my target weight.

The truth: While it's true that weight can be influenced by your genes, it's important to remember that people are individuals, and it takes an individual plan to reach your target weight.

Myth #4: All I need to do is exercise to lose weight.

The truth: Daily activity is important, but so is nutrition! It's wonderful to exercise and stay active, but it doesn't do any good to eat fatty, sugary foods that don't give you the proper balance of nutrition. It's important to be healthy, and a big part of that is eating healthy.

Myth #5: Vegetarians/vegans eat healthier, so they have an easier time with weight control.

The truth: While it's true vegetarians/vegans usually have a much easier time getting enough fruits and vegetables, sometimes it's more difficult to get enough proteins, so their diet is unbalanced. As important as it is to not over eat and to stay physically active, information on losing weight says it's also important to eat healthy, which means getting balanced nutrition.

Myth #6: I can eat as much as I want as long as it's healthy.

The truth: As important as healthy eating is, moderation is equally important. It's wonderful to have a salad for lunch, but if it's an enormous salad piled with toppings and dressing (even low-fat dressing), it's counter-productive to your weight loss efforts. You should definitely eat healthy food, but make sure you don't overeat, either!

Myth #7: No snacking between meals!

The truth: Some people are able to eat three healthy meals each day without snacking, while others find it's better to have five or more smaller meals throughout the day. Some people find that by having a snack between breakfast and lunch, and again between lunch and dinner, they eat less at meal time. You have to take the information on losing weight and food and make sure you make the choices that are best for you.

Myth #8: I don't need to exercise if I eat less/healthier.

The truth: Healthy eating is important, but so is daily activity. Exercise helps burn calories, which helps you lose weight. Most information on losing weight says the average adult should be moderately physically active about 30 minutes a day to be healthy, even if all you do is take a 30 minute walk every evening.

Myth #9: Late-night meals cause weight gain.

The truth: Some people have found that three healthy meals during the day is the ideal for them. They have an eating schedule they stick to, and if they snack or eat late, their body reacts poorly. However, information on losing weight has reveals that, as has already been mentioned, people are individuals. Some people are better able to lose weight when they eat many smaller meals throughout the day.

Myth #10: It's better to exercise on an empty stomach to lose weight faster.

The truth: When you exercise, you use energy, so it's important to have energy in your body in order to use! If you don't eat before you exercise, your body won't have the energy you need. Be sure to eat healthy foods that will give you the energy you need to exercise and drink plenty of fluids to keep yourself hydrated while exercising.

Remember, each person is different, so it's important to personalize your weight loss plan based on your specific body and needs. Lots of information on losing weight exists, so it's important to find what works for you. And don't let myths fool you!

Brian Jenkins is a senior nutrition and weight loss writer for various ezines and routinely shares his expert information on losing weight.

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