DIETING FACT OR FICTION

1 Skipping carbs will help me lose weight

FICTION – Carbs are an incredibly important source of energy which we need to survive. Eaten in the right quantities and as part of a balanced diet, carbs won’t make you gain weight.

2 Starving myself will make me thin

FICTION – Unlikely. It’s difficult to maintain a diet of nothing so you will either bounce back to where you were, or may even gain more

The Truth

Maintaining a healthy weight for most is incredibly simple. As a basic rule, all you have to do is expend the same amount of calories that you consume. For example, if your body burns through 2,000 calories per day to stay alive:

■ If you eat 2,500 calories per day on average, over time your weight will increase pounds if you over-eat as a result. Your body will be low on energy and may cause you to crave high-calorie foods.

3 Slimming pills are the answer

FICTION – Unless you have been prescribed something by your GP, don’t do it. You have no idea what you are ingesting when you purchased un-prescribed pills. The best case scenario is that they are a placebo and won’t work – that way it’s only money that you risk losing, not your health.

■ If you eat 1,800 calories per day on average, over time your weight will decrease

■ If you eat 2,300 calories per day on average but do daily exercise amounting to 300 calories, your weight will stay the same.

■ It’s simple maths. No diet pills or subscriptions to expensive groups required.