Do you think you know all the facts about getting fit? Are you killing it at the gym and watching what you eat but not seeing any results?

You may be surprised to learn how many things that we believe are facts are actually a fiction. Nowadays, we do have a great access to information online or elsewhere, but the problem is that information isn't always correct. In our world of health, fitness, myths and half-truths, some of them may be keeping us from becoming our healthiest and keep us from achieving our fitness goals.

#1. Myth: You Can target fat loss

Yes, in the perfect world it would be nice to do a few sit-up every day for the fat to melt away from our bellies. Unfortunately, it doesn't work like that.

The fat we burn during exercise comes from all over the body. Abdominal exercises however do strengthen the core muscles! This can help you with your posture and take pressure off your back if you're struggling with lower back pain.

Even if you have abdominal muscles, you might not be able to 'see' them. This depends on your overall body fat percentage, which is why it's often said that abs are made the kitchen. In order to burn fat, you should follow a workout routine that includes both cardiovascular exercises and strength-training. This will lower your overall body fat, so that you can start 'seeing' the abdominal muscles.

#2. Myth: Low-fat products are better for you

It's been proved that low-fat products are not necessarily healthier for you than full fat products. Why? Products that are labelled as low-fat, reduced-fat, fat-free may indeed have lover fat content indeed. BUT these have considerably higher sugar or salt content (to make up for the lost taste compare) compare to the full fat products.

Moreover, fat-free yogurts (especially) often contain artificial colouring, flavours and stabilisers. And as we mentioned earlier more sugar to make them taste and look better. Remember that our bodies needs some natural fat to help with the absorption of  the vitamin D. The natural fat occurring in yogurts is also what helps us stay satisfied for longer.

#3. Myth: Skipping meals is a great way to lose weight

If you are sustaining a low calorie diet over a long period of time it will slow your metabolism and make your body save energy (fat) rather than burning it off.

What is also important to look at is the fact that skipping meals leads to weight gain. Missing meals will cause cravings, increase appetite hence a risk of overeating later on during the day.

Instead try to acquire a healthy and balanced lifestyle based on 3 meals and 2 snacks per day, along with plenty of fluids. 

#4. Myth: The more you sweat, the more you burn

Sweating does not necessarily mean that you work harder. It is your body’s biological way of cooling itself down and regulating your internal temperature. So overly drenched clothes after a workout don't necessarily mean you 'sweated' more calories than usual (sorry!).

For those who don't sweat much - we have some good news! It is possible to burn lots of calories even without breaking too much sweat!

#5. Myth: Not eating carbohydrates is a good way to lose weight

Going 'low-carb' is the most common diet change among people trying to lose weight. However, carbohydrates are essential for a healthy body and should not be completely cut out.

It is not that carbohydrates are bad for you, it's more about the quality and type of carbs you consume that makes the difference. If you aim to lose weight, choose the so called 'good carbs' (complex carbohydrates). For instance multigrain bread, legumes, grains, fruits and vegetables - rather than cutting carbs from your diet completely. And try skipping the bad - simple carbs (baked goods, commercial cereals, cookies). That will no only make you gain weight but have little or no nutrition on offer.