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Home › Articles › Nutrition News › Myth Busters

Myth Busters

8 Nutrition "Theories" Debunked

By Teri Brown

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Fink says that fat got a bad rap in the 1980s when everything and everybody went fat free, but she states that some dietary fat is necessary for proper bodily functions. Certain types of fat even have amazing health benefits due to their positive effect on heart health. Fink believes the inclusion of some dietary fat in your overall eating plan can help some people feel fuller for longer, thereby aiding in weight loss if they consume fewer calories overall. "The key is to make sure you consume more unsaturated fats than saturated fats, the ones dubbed artery-cloggers," she says.

6. Myth: If the Package Says "Fat Free" You Can Eat as Much as You Want
"This is an oldie, but a goodie," says Fink. "When fat is removed from foods, sugar is often added in its place as a flavor and texture enhancer. That means that the fat-free product may contain just slightly less, or sometimes just as many, calories as the full-fat product. Take, for example, Oreos. One regular Oreo contains about 53 calories. One reduced-fat Oreo contains almost 47 calories. Eat too many of either kind and you will gain weight! Calories are calories."
 
7. Myth: You Can Lose Weight by Skipping Meals
This boils down to calories in versus calories out. "If you skip lunch and do not compensate by eating more at dinner, you will most likely lose weight," says Fink. "However, for most people, going hours without eating can trigger cravings and a strong need to eat, sometimes even overeat."

According to Fink, our brains run on the energy we obtain from food just like cars run on gas, so it's optimal to refill your "tank" at least three times per day. Some people even feel best when they eat five times per day. Many experts feel that breakfast eaters are more likely to lose weight and maintain weight loss than breakfast skippers.

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