Diet Myths

Healthy Weight Loss Myths and Facts

MYTH: Fasting is a great way to lose weight.

FACT: Hollywood starlets swear by “fasts” or “cleanses” where they eat practically nothing for days. Starving yourself can help you drop a few pounds fast, but usually you will regain that weight as soon as you start eating again. Also, losing a lot of weight rapidly usually means you’re losing muscle and water rather than fat.

MYTH: To lose weight, stop eating fatty foods.

FACT: Fat-free does not mean calorie-free, and many fat-free versions of your favorite products have the same or more calories as the originals. Fat-free foods are high on the Glycemic index and create a spike in your blood sugar. This promotes weight gain.  

MYTH: Sugar-free foods and artificial sweeteners are great for avoiding weight gain.

FACT: Diet soft drinks and artificially-sweetened yogurts, ice cream and other snacks are often lower in calories. But sugar substitutes can have many negative side effects. For example artificial sweeteners may interfere with the body's natural regulators and make you prone to overindulging in other sweet foods and beverages.

From http://www.helpguide.org/life/healthy_eating_diet.htm