5 Diet myths debunked

There are a lot of misconceptions about starting a new diet out there - it's no wonder so many women feel frustrated before they even start.

Let's take a quick look at a few of these diet legends and find out if they're myth or fact...

1. "Salad is the best option to choose when eating out"

In general, yes – salads are healthy, but it really depends on what's in the salad and what type of dressing you're putting on top. If you're eating a few greens with chunks of feta, bacon and avo and a creamy blue cheese dressing, you could be adding as many (if not more) calories than by eating a meal of steak and chips!

Tip: Look for salads with beans, tuna or grilled chicken. Leave off the dressing or opt for a little olive oil and balsamic mixture instead.

2. "Honey is less fattening than sugar"

Did you know that honey contains around 75% simple sugars and 25% water? This means that it's higher in calories than sugar, specifically because one teaspoon of honey contains 25 calories, while one teaspoon of sugar contains only 16 calories.

Tip: You don't have to give up honey, just be careful and use it in small amounts.

3. "It's more expensive to eat healthy food"

With a little planning and budgeting, you'd be surprised by just how cost-effective healthy eating can really be. You don't need to buy the fanciest ingredients that celebrity chefs on Food Network are telling you to use either.

Tip: Try replacing meat with a cost-effective meat-like legume such as lentils. Buy fruit and vegetables that are in season and local.

4. "I should only eat when I'm hungry"

According to researchers at the National Weight Control Registry (NWCR), the key to weight loss success is to space your food out evenly throughout the day. People who skip meals in order to try and save a few calories, are more prone to weight problems because once they do eat, they usually eat all the wrong things – or go overboard and binge.

Tip: Eat nutritious meals or snacks every four to five hours every day during the week and over weekends.

5."Cereal bars are lower in fat and sugar than chocolate bars"

Although cereal bars might sound healthier in comparison, most of them contain a lot more than just fruits, oats and nuts. They might be lower in fat than most chocolate bars, but cereal bars usually contain just as much sugar. This sugar can be listed as rice syrup, maltodextrin, glucose-fructose syrup, raw cane sugar, honey or fructose.

Tip: Before buying a cereal bar, read the nutritional information on the wrapper.

Recommended reading: How to beat the bulge and get a bikini body over the festive season

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