5 Big, Fat Diet Myths--Busted!
-
Diet Myth #1: You Have to Eat Less to Lose Weight
No way! We say NO growling bellies, NO deprivation, and NO puny portions. We fill up our plates with healthy food, so the eyes and the stomach are satisfied. The more satisfied you feel after a meal, the less you'll eat later. Boost satiety by eating water-rich foods, filling fiber, and plenty of healthy fats, while staying within your calorie range.
-
Diet Myth #2: Plain Veggies Are Better for You
If you're opting for fat-free dressings because you think it's better for you, think again. Small amounts of healthy fats are an important part of the satisfaction of a salad. Plus, your body can't make use of certain vitamins and antioxidants (beta-carotene, vitamin D, and vitamin E in particular) without a bit of fat to help process them. Ditch the fat-free stuff and dip your fork into a dressing made with olive oil for heightened meal satisfaction and nutrient absorption!
-
Diet Myth #3: Low-Fat and Low-Salt Meals Are Flavorless
There are plenty of tricks you can use to impart flavor with almost zero calories and very little sodium. When you’re watching fat and calories, herbs, spices, and certain condiments are your new best friends. They add flavor and pizzazz to your cooking with little to no calories and fat. Do take care in your choice of premade spice blends and condiments, however, as many of the versions you get in the supermarket are full of salt—a big no-no when you’re watching your sodium levels or you have high blood pressure.
-
Diet Myth #4: Fat-Free Foods Are the Best Choice
When you remove the fat from foods that naturally contain them, you have to replace the fat with some other ingredients (often sugar or salt). Instead of choosing the fat-free version of your favorite cheese, which will lack the satisfyingly rich mouth feel of the original, choose the reduced-fat version. It will retain some of that richness with less fat and fewer calories.
-
.jpg)
Diet Myth #5: Baking and Steaming Are the Only 'Healthy' Cooking Methods
No way! There are lots of healthy ways to prepare food to make it both nutritious and flavorful. Grilling, sauteeing, sweating and broiling are just a few of the other fun options for preparing delicious food that will support your weight loss. Give them a go to add some variety to your diet!
-
Hungry for More?
Want additional tips for preparing healthy meals, plus over 150 delicious recipes for weight loss? Get cooking with ''The SparkPeople Cookbook: Love Your Food, Lose the Weight''--now in paperback!
See more nutrition slideshows
5 Big, Fat Diet Myths--Busted!
There are a lot of misconceptions out there about food and dieting, and we're here to clear the air! Here are the straight facts on eating for weight loss--no deprivation required.
Start Slideshow
Diet Myth #1: You Have to Eat Less to Lose Weight
No way! We say NO growling bellies, NO deprivation, and NO puny portions. We fill up our plates with healthy food, so the eyes and the stomach are satisfied. The more satisfied you feel after a meal, the less you'll eat later. Boost satiety by eating water-rich foods, filling fiber, and plenty of healthy fats, while staying within your calorie range.
.jpg)
.jpg)
