There are loads of diet tips available for people who want to lose weight, and it can be hard to know which ones are true and which are false. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDKD) a number of common myths continue to circulate regarding the so-called rules of dieting.
Fad Diets Keep the Weight Off
It is not true that fad diets are a permanent solution to weight loss. While the pounds may come off in the beginning, very low calorie diets that severely narrow your food choices can be hard to stick with for a long period of time. In addition, fad diets may fail to provide a proper amount of nutrients.
No Calories in Fat-Free Foods
The fact is many low-fat or fat-free foods frequently contain a reduced number of calories. However, a lot of processed low-fat or fat-free foods don't have any fewer calories that the regular full-fat versions of the same foods. In fact, some may actually have more calories because ingredients such as sugar or starch thickeners are added to enhance flavor and texture once fat is removed.
Passing on Breakfast to Lose Weight
In reality, people who skip the first meal of the day are apt to weigh more than people who eat a healthy breakfast. That's because postponing your first meal until later in the day can make you hungrier and you wind up eating more than you should.
Dairy Products Lead to Weight Gain
Dairy products have many nutrients, including protein to strengthen muscles and calcium to improve bone strength. Low-fat and fat-free milk, cheeses and other dairy products have the same nutritional value has whole-milk dairy items.
Stay Away from Starches
A number of foods that are high in starch are low in fat and calories. Foods such as bread, rice, pasta, cereals, beans and potatoes only become high in fat and calories when you top them with high-fat items like sour cream or butter and/or when your portion size is too large.
Don't Eat at Night
A calorie is a calorie regardless of when it is consumed. While a big juicy hamburger eaten right before bedtime may cause an upset stomach, it won't affect your diet any more than if it had been eaten several hours earlier.
No Desserts Allowed
It's true you don't want to overindulge on a diet, but you should not completely deprive yourself of an occasional treat that might include a small portion of dessert.
Member Comments