7 Diet Myths: Busted!

Almost every girl's life revolves around the same argument - how to lose weight fast, and keep it off! There are many diets out there that promise instant results and can help you achieve your desired goal.

But before you give up on your favourite bites and go on a "no-fat" detox to stimulate your slow-moving metabolism into shape, read what our expert, Dr. Simran Saini (Weight loss and nutrition consultant) working with Fortis Group of Hospitals and running her own private clinic, Simran's Perfect Slim Solutions, has to say about some popular dieting myths.

These Q&A's might help you to look at your partial weight loss procedure in a more realistic way.

Myth #1 - Eating Fat Makes You Fat?

Here's a pet peeve, that eating fat makes you fat! In fact, healthy fats are essential for the body. They are the basic source of energy and should always be taken in the right proportion. What you need to keep in mind is not to go overboard and consume processed or refined fats. Opt for good fats like extra-virgin olive oil, coconut butter, avocado and nuts. Please stop fearing fat!

Myth #2 - Crash Dieting Or Fasting Makes You Lose Weight Fast

Crash dieting is just a major no-no. Not only does crash dieting deplete you of essential nutrients, but it's also just not sustainable in the long run. A crash diet may give you short-term results, but you will get exhausted of repeating the same monotonous method. Dr. Saini suggests setting some realistic goals because losing weight is a slow and gradual process. It cannot be achieved overnight and neither should one aim to lose all their weight fast. Losing weight by going on a crash diet almost ensures that the weight will come back.

Myth #3 - Diet Foods Can Help You Lose Weight

This is again another fad because there is no such thing as diet foods. These processed foods are filled with a lot of salts and trans fats which are definitely not good for the body and can do more harm than good. Extra sugars and thickeners are often added to boost flavour and texture in these items, so calorie content may be only a bit less, or similar to standard products. Always check for the calorie contents and be aware of what you're eating.

Myth #4 - Skipping Breakfast Is A Good Way To Lose Weight

No no no and no! If you skip breakfast, there is a greater chance of you actually slowing your metabolism down as a result of depriving your body of food for long hours. When you starve your body of the food that it needs, it goes into "survival mode" and actually begins to store fat in order to sustain itself. You should always 'break the fast' in the morning and never starve yourself of food to reduce fat.

Myth #5 - If You Exercise, Your Diet Doesn't Matter

Exercising and a healthy diet go hand in hand. If you eat the right things, in the right amount and exercise according to your requirement, you tend to lose weight effectively and gradually. You can never be dependent on just gyming or any other form of exercise. It is completely wrong to go overboard with your unhealthy food habits and rely completely on your exercise routine because that won't help. It is always said 70% diet and 30% workout. While that may depend on your body, both these things are essential.

Myth #6 -No Eating Past 8. Food Eaten Late At Night Converts Into Fat

Dr. Simran Saini says, "Weight gain does not depend on the timings, but the calorie intake. If you are eating healthy even during late hours at night, you won't gain actual fat. The problem arises only when you eat carbs at night and then go directly to sleep. That is what harms your body because you're giving your body no time to actively burn the calories consumed."

Myth #7 - Every Diet Works For Everybody

This is definitely a myth! Every body is different and unique, hence the same diet cannot be prescribed to everybody. There is a structural procedure. While particular foods might be suggested to some, others could be asked to avoid the same. A lot of factors have to be taken into account when prescribing a diet.