Ten Diet-Related Myths You Should Ignore

Surprise surprise! There are actually diet rules out there that are meant to be broken? Yes, it has recently been demonstrated many dated diet guidelines and myths are up for being debunked. You’ve probably heard all these silly rules before, but experts weigh-in on the worthiness of these supposed truisms – most of which won’t help you lose weight or make dieting any easier. Here are the rules you can ignore:

Myth: You put on more weight if you eat at night.

Fact: The total calories you consume over a 24-hour period or over a week is what causes you to gain weight, and when you eat these calories doesn’t matter.

Myth: It’s best to eat at regularly, at the same times every day.

Fact: You should eat when you’re hungry, not when the clock says it’s time to eat.

Myth: Dieting with a buddy always makes weight loss easier.

Fact: Weight loss is a personal journey. Depending on the dynamics and dedication, having a buddy may actually sabotage your plans!

Myth: Dietary fat keeps you feeling full longer, so you’ll eat less.

Fact: Fat does take longer to digest, but it will not help you control your appetite. Foods likely to fight off hunger the longest are protein foods, followed by carbohydrates, then fats.

Myth: When you blow your diet, you might as well wait until the next day to get back on track.

Fact: Nothing could be further from the truth- always try to get right back on track with your next meal.

Myth: Refusing food at a party or when visiting is rude.

Fact: Turning down food that you know will blow your diet is socially acceptable, as long as you do it in a polite manner.

Myth: Skipping a meal every now and then will help you lose weight.

Fact: Skipping a meal means you will be so hungry at the next meal that you are likely to overeat. This can also lead to a slowdown of your metabolism.

Myth: Bread is fattening, nuts are fattening, pasta is fattening.

Fact: Whole-wheat bread/pasta is a great source of nutrients, and it won’t make you gain weight more than any other food with the same number of calories.

Myth: All calories are equal. Oooh controversial!

Fact: This is somewhat true, however; you’ll get more nutrients from a 100-calorie apple than from a 100-calorie portion of white bread. Choose healthier items if you are losing weight, or controlling your hunger.

Myth: If you don’t clean your plate, you’re wasting food.

Fact: If you just don’t feel right leaving the table until you’ve cleaned your plate, underestimate your hunger and put less food on your plate to begin with, or you may overeat.

Don’t believe everything you hear! Much of it is just superstition. Now you can tell your friends the real truth. In the end, nutrition experts say, many of the food and dieting rules we hold dear are meant to be broken – without guilt!

Speaking of food…..