Food legends probably have been around since the Serpent told Eve about the apple's supernatural powers. And if you've bought into the occasional diet food myth, don't feel bad: There's always misinformation afoot when there's weight to be lost, products to be marketed and people who aren't ready for swimsuit season. Here's the lowdown on some of the myths about foods and dieting that you've probably heard over the years.
Myth: Certain Foods 'Burn' Fat
If you enjoy that grapefruit, celery, cabbage soup or teaspoon of vinegar, help yourself---but they won't 'burn fat' and you won't necessarily lose weight, according to the National Institutes of Health. Caffeine can supply a short-term boost in your metabolism, but that won't make you lose weight, either. What will help you drop pounds is to burn calories by being more physically active as you cut back on high-calorie foods.
Myth: Skipping Meals Is a Good Diet Strategy
Blowing off breakfast or skipping lunch might help you drop a few pounds at first, but it's a losing strategy in the long term, advises the American Academy of Family Physicians. Besides sapping your energy, skipping one meal makes you feel ravenous for the next one, and you're liable to overeat. Aim for three meals and a snack daily, or eat five or six smaller meals. Concentrate on low-fat foods, fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
Myth: If a Diet Works for Your Friend, It'll Work for You
Not necessarily. There's no one diet that works for everyone, advises the American Academy of Family Physicians. For example, while vegetarians tend to consume fewer calories and less fat, you can eat lean meats and lose weight---and you also can get fat as a vegetarian. A balanced diet of healthful foods you enjoy is a weight-loss plan you can stick to. And eating a variety of foods will help supply the nutrients you need.
Myth: Rapid Weight Loss Is Most Effective
Crash diets promise that you'll drop a lot of pounds fast. That's enticing, but it probably won't make you slimmer in the long run. According to the American Dietetic Association, shedding pounds quickly means you're losing water weight as well as muscle and bone. It can even cause gallstones to develop, the NIH advises. You're more likely to keep weight off when you lose ½ to 1 lb. per week. And don't be discouraged: Even losing 5 to 7 percent of your body weight may help prevent weight-related health problems such as high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.
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