Common Myths

Eating fat will make you fat. Fat satiates hunger and carries both flavour and vital nutrients like vitamins A,E,D, and K. The removal of fat from processed foods occurred because it is know to increase consumption (ie we buy and eat more because it leaves us feeling hungry). The trigger for a baby to stop suckling is the increasing fat content of breast milk as the baby feeds - this response continues to exist in adult life.

Sure, fat does contain more food energy (gram for gram) than either carbohydrates or protein, but taken in moderation it won't hurt your diet one bit.

Salt is bad for you. We all know salt adds flavour to food but did you know the evidence linking it to adverse health outcomes is very poor? Here is a scholarly assessment of the evidence. High salt intakes are associated with high processed food intakes but like most things, taken in moderation salt is unlikely to do you any harm unless you are in the 5% of the population who should avoid it for medical reasons. What may well come as a surprise is the fact that low salt intake is far more risky from a health perspective than high salt intake. If in doubt ask your doctor.

Diet drinks will help you lose weight. The evidence says they won't. Here is a link to a study by Purdue University.

Skipping meals is an effective strategy It isn't, and as you will read soon breakfast is the most important meal of your dieting day.

The dietary pyramid has a rigorous scientific basis. It does not. Have a look at what Harvard University has to say about this. Humans are omnivores and as such we need a varied diet to stay healthy. Exactly what is in that varied diet is far less critical than you have been led to believe.

Alcohol is both bad for your health and will make you fat. While alcohol contains food energy it is only too much food energy that will make you fat. Alcohol can contribute but that late night Souvlaki has just as much, and probably more to answer for! Read about The French Paradox and, once again, have a look at what Harvard University has to say about this.

You can go on a diet and never feel hungry. Of course you are going to feel hungry from time to time! If you don't drink you feel thirsty and if you don't eat you feel hungry. These are normal physiological responses and deeply rooted in our brains. How you choose to respond to that feeling of hunger, and what foods you choose to satisfy it is what counts.

I am always going to be fat. No you are not! If you're reading this your motivated, and if you're motivated and have the tools you need (which we are giving you here) you have to power to surprise yourself.

So now we have cleared up a few common myths click on weight loss secrets - what foods should I eat? and let's continue the journey together.