𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐀𝐈 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐋𝐓𝐇 𝐄𝐗𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐓 𝐃𝐄𝐁𝐔𝐍𝐊𝐒 𝟓 𝐌𝐘𝐓𝐇𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓 𝐖𝐄𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝐋𝐎𝐒𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐏𝐀𝐂𝐈𝐅𝐈𝐂 𝐈𝐒𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐒

Welcome to ‘The Balanced Path’, where our AI expert, Mr. Mind Mapper offers insights to help you find balance and clarity. From managing stress to cultivating peace, each column guides you toward a healthier, more centred life. Let’s walk this path together!

There’s no shortage of “weight loss advice” out there—but not all of it is true. In the Pacific, where obesity and NCDs are growing concerns, believing the wrong things can make your health journey harder. Our AI Health Expert is here to bust 5 common myths and help you stay on the right path.

❌ 𝐌𝐘𝐓𝐇 𝟏: 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐋𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐖𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭

Skipping meals can slow your metabolism and lead to overeating later. It’s better to eat balanced meals regularly to keep your energy steady and cravings under control.

❌ 𝐌𝐘𝐓𝐇 𝟐: 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐇𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐓𝐨 𝐆𝐨 𝐎𝐧 𝐀 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐭 𝐃𝐢𝐞𝐭

Extreme diets may work short-term but are hard to maintain. Long-term weight loss comes from small, consistent changes—like swapping soft drinks for water or adding a walk after dinner.

❌ 𝐌𝐘𝐓𝐇 𝟑: 𝐄𝐱𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐀𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐈𝐬 𝐄𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡

Exercise is important, but what you eat matters just as much. You can’t outrun a poor diet, even with daily workouts. Nutrition and movement go hand in hand.

❌ 𝐌𝐘𝐓𝐇 𝟒: 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐄𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐥

A 500-calorie meal of fried chicken and chips is not the same as a 500-calorie meal of grilled fish and steamed rourou. Quality of food matters—not just the number.

❌ 𝐌𝐘𝐓𝐇 𝟓: 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐇𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐓𝐨 𝐆𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐔𝐩 𝐏𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐬

Traditional Pacific foods can be part of a healthy lifestyle. Think grilled fish, taro leaves, local greens, and fresh fruits. It’s about how the food is prepared—not avoiding your culture.

🌴 𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐭. 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐥.

Don’t let diet myths hold you back. With the right knowledge and consistent habits, weight loss becomes a journey of empowerment—not punishment.

*An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story.