Diet Myths Debunked - Big Fat Lies that Hinder Weight Loss

If a weight loss endeavor is not yielding the desired results, certain diet myths that are being followed just might be the problem. Don't believe everything you hear regarding weight loss, many diet myths abound, some of which can sabotage a weight loss program. Here are some leading diet myths debunked and dieting truths revealed.

Reduced Fat Foods are same as Low Fat Foods

When a food is labeled 'reduced fat', it means the food product has 25% less fat than it's full-fat version. 25% less fat however may still be a high fat content. Ice cream is a good example; say a scoop of full fat ice cream has 130 calories from fat and it's reduced fat counterpart contains 100 calories from fat in a scoop. That is still more fat (about 15%) than anyone, dieter or not, should be getting from a single food. Low fat foods are just that, low in fat and are beneficial in helping to reduce overall fat and calorie intake and aid in weight loss.

Fresh Foods are Better than Frozen

Frozen fruits and vegetables may actually be healthier for you than fresh fruits and vegetables found in the produce section of the grocery store. Why? Fruits and vegetables are frozen at their peaks of freshness, which means vitamins and minerals were locked in to the produce during the freezing process. Fruits and vegetables displayed fresh in the produce section may have already past their prime and lost valuable nutrients.

In-season fresh fruits and vegetables are an exception to this. When produce is in-season, it gets to market quickly and has a lower price, opting for fresh produce in-season and frozen fruits and vegetables year around will aid in weight loss and added nutrients.

The Scale Tells All

The first few months a dieter begins an exercise program, the number on the scale may not budge, it may even go up a couple of pounds. This happens because body fat is being lost and muscle is being gained. Muscle tissue weighs more than fat, that is why the scale does not tell all. Judge weight loss by how previously worn clothes fit, clothes will begin to fit more loosely even if the weight scale remains the same.

Diet Soda Cut Calories

Technically speaking, yes diet sodas do cut calories in a diet. However the sweet sugar substitute flavor of diet soda may cause some dieters to crave and consume more calories from sweets.

Fiber Causes Stomach Bloat

High fiber foods are a dieter's friend. Fiber keeps you feeling fuller longer, but many dieters pass on fiber rich foods for fear of stomach bloating. Whole grains, vegetables and fruits actually counter act bloating by keeping food moving along in the digestive tract, preventing constipation.

Skipping Breakfast Helps Weight Loss

Many studies have proven that dieters who skip breakfast weigh more than dieters who ate breakfast. Dieters who skip breakfast tend to eat higher calorie foods during the day, plus eating a healthy breakfast revs up the metabolism, helping the body burn more calories.

Caffeine Decreases Appetite and Milk Will Make You Fat

Many dieters think that caffeinated beverages will decrease appetite and fill them up. Not true. Caffeinated beverages usually contain no nutritional value, won't make you feel full and often gives the jitters.

Milk on the other hand is a healthy weight loss tool. The calcium in milk helps to regulate weight and help to stave off hunger.