Diet Myths and Facts

When it comes to weight loss, many popular believes are myths and others are only partly true. Here are some facts to help you sort through what you hear.

MYTH? Cut back on carbs to lose weight.

FACT:Carbohydrates come in different forms: simple and complex. Simple carbs found in foods like cookies and candy lack vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Cutting back on these sweets, is a great way to eat healthier. Foods with complex carbs like whole-wheat bread, beans, and fruit, oats have lots of nutrients that are good for you.

Cut back on simple carbs but keep complex carbs on the menu.

MYTH? If the label says "no-fat" or "low-fat," you can eat all you want and not gain weight.

FACT: Many low-fat or no-fat foods have added sugar, starch, or salt to make up for the reduction in fat. These "wonder" foods often have just as many calories, or more, than the regular version.

Check the nutrition label to see how many calories are in a serving. Be sure to check the serving size too.

MYTH? Skipping breakfast makes you gain weight.

FACT: Eating a healthy breakfast can help you manage your hunger later in the day and help you to say, "No thanks," to unhealthy snacks. No scientific studies have shown that skipping the morning meal leads directly to weight gain.

If you are not hungry first thing, listen to your body. When you are ready to eat, help yourself to a healthy option like oatmeal with fresh berries.

MYTH? Eating at night will make you fat.

FACT: People who eat late at night do tend to put on extra weight. One possible reason is that late-night eaters tend to choose high-calorie treats. Some people who snack after dinner do not sleep well, which can lead to unhealthy cravings the next day.

If you are hungry after dinner, limit yourself to healthy snacks

MYTH? Salt free diet to reduce fast

FACT: salt free diet gives only temporary effect in falling weight . Your next very proper meal will regain it back.

It’s not even suitable for people with high hypertension. Just reduce the intake is better option

MYTH? Fasting can help you lose weight quickly.

FACT: Fasting is not healthy if you go hungry all day and cap it off with a huge meal that replaces all the calories you skipped earlier. Compared to people who lose fat by eating fewer calories, people who fast lose more muscle than fat.

Look at your daily diet for empty calories you can cut out, such as refined grains and sugary drinks. DO NOT cut out meals entirely, especially without a doctor's supervision.