Four Diet Myths
We’re bombarded daily with diet and health claims online, in magazines, on TV. Here are four myths about dieting.
You’ll Gain Weight if You Eat After Eight:
This is partially true because at night people tend to consume not only more food, but also more empty calories (especially snacking while watching TV). However, it’s not the time of day, it’s the extra calories that count.
Non-Fat Foods Are Healthier Alternatives:
Low-fat rather than non-fat versions of foods provide a more balance diet, meaning you’re less likely to feel cravings. When you eliminate all the fat, you’re usually left with a food full of quick-burning carbohydrates. You’re also often left with food higher in sugar and sodium to make up for the loss of fat.
Pasta Makes You Fat:
The problem is not the pasta but the portion size. One serving of pasta is a half cup. Most restaurants serve diners at least two cups. You can still enjoy pasta on a diet if you use it as a side dish rather than a main, use red sauces instead of creamy, and don’t use lots of cheese.
The More Calories You Cut, the More Weight You Lose:
The trick is to find the actual amount of calories you need to lose weight rather than cutting back so severely that your body goes into starvation mode. A research group at the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has developed the Body Weight Simulator, which you can access here. However, the best thing to do is to consult a professional before undertaking drastic changes to your diet.
The best advice I’ve ever heard was to have lots of fruits and vegetables, eat in moderation, drink water, and exercise.
