You're not stuck with your weight

It's tough enough to fight the battle of the bulge without falling prey to false information. Debunk metabolism myths with these three truths:

Myth No. 1:

All-natural pills can boost metabolism. Dietary supplements such as Metabolife or CitriMax may temporarily suppress appetite or reduce water weight, but they can raise your heart rate and dehydrate you, which does zip for your metabolic rate in the long run. "Improving metabolic rate is a long-term health process — not a quick fix," says Dr. David Simon, medical director of the Chopra Center for Well Being in La Jolla, Calif. "To get your body functioning optimally now and in the future, honor its nutritional needs and increase your muscle mass."

Myth No. 2:

Eliminating fat will make you look and feel great. Actually, eating a bit of healthful fat with every meal decreases hunger pangs and cravings. If you're watching your weight, keep fat intake to 20 percent of your daily calories and choose fat mostly from vegetable sources such as olive and peanut oils, nuts and avocados.

Myth No. 3:

You're stuck with the metabolism you were born with. It's true that you inherit a metabolic blueprint. But, says Simon, you can modify it by eating right and exercising regularly — especially by lifting weights. "All these things together can change your metabolism," says Simon. "It's all about achieving balance."

Write to the editors of Fitness magazine: fitnessmail@fitnessmagazine.com.