In an effort to lose weight, many of us find ourselves searching for ways to effectively reach our weight loss goals. Unfortunately, during our weight loss process, we find ourselves believing many weight loss myths and urban legends.

While some of these myths are clearly untrue and easy to recognize, many of these false beliefs are very believable. It is important for us to be able to know what is true and what isn't so we can stay focused on our goals. Buying into these misconceptions also causes many people to become unhealthy because they are not following realistic directions.

• Myth #1: All carbohydrates are bad for you.

• Truth#1: The best diet is a Balanced diet.

While many people feel that cutting all carbohydrates out of their diet is the best way to lose weight is crucial to have a truly balanced diet. Instead of removing all carbohydrates from your eating plan, try to incorporate complex carbohydrates into your diet because they have more fiber than simple carbohydrates, and fiber is essential to effectively losing weight. Although you should limit your intake of simple carbohydrates such as white bread and sugary products, don't feel as if any foods are actually off limits. Remember that everything is fine in moderation.

• Myth #2: Exercise is not essential to losing weight.

• Truth #2: No matter how great your diet plan is, you must incorporate exercise into your routine.

Exercise is important because it helps you to reach your weight loss goals in a shorter amount of time. The more you exercise the more calories you burn. Exercise also helps you to build muscle, and in turn, muscle burns fat.

• Myth #3: As long it is healthy, you can eat how much you want.

• Truth #3: Portion control is what makes you lose weight.

There have been many diets that have convinced dieters that if a food is good for you, you can eat as much as you want. When you learn to control your portions, it helps you to be able to maintain a healthy weight after you've reached your weight loss goal.

While it is tempting to follow fads and buy into diet myths, it is more important to develop a truly healthy eating plan that gives you great results.

Knowing the truth about weight loss will help you to separate myth from reality so you can truly change your eating habits.