There are many myths about dieting, we take a look at 10 of the most common ones

1. Going nuts
If you’re calorie counting then you might have been advised to avoid nuts, as they are particularly high in fats and calories. However, did you know that nuts are crammed with protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals, they also contain healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Steer clear of salted nuts, and restrict yourself to 8-10 almonds, Brazil nuts or cashews for a healthy and fulfilling snack.

2. Eggs and cholesterol levels
Eggs have been given a hard time, but recent guidance suggests that consuming one per day won’t raise your cholesterol levels or increase your likelihood of heart disease. Eggs are rich with protein, vitamins A, D, B12 and Niacin, so they are an essential part of a healthy diet, poached are far better for you than scrambled or fried.

3. Diet Food
If you always choose diet food, you’re maybe not eating as well as you might think. Calorie controlled fast food can be high in salt and sugar, and the portions are so small that they won’t satify a normal appetite. Some low fat biscuits have more calories than standard varieties – usually because the manufacturers have supplemented the food with more sugar for improved taste. Remember to check the label before you purchase and remember not to counteract the effect of smaller portions by just eating more!

4. Carbohydrates might not give you that gull feeling for longer.
Many of us think that eating a plate full of healthy carbohydrates is the healthiest way to satisfy our appetite. But snacking on white bread, pasta and sugar coated breakfast cereal can actually cause your blood sugar levels to spike – meaning that you will soon not be able to resist something like a chocolate bar and will eventually gain weight. Keep your blood sugar even by selecting brown over white and keep yourself fuller for longer by adding a portion of protein to your meal

5. Not all diet pills work
There is lots of hype about diet pills, you need to be really careful about wasting your money on something which may have nasty side effects. If you decide to go down this route two of the best diet pills are Alli and Zotrim.

6.  Eating before bed might make you dream but won’t affect weight loss
It’s a common myth that eating before bedtime will increase weight, however, this has largely proved to be untrue. More likely is that dieters sticking to this advice have reduced their overall calorie intake by not snacking in the evenings.

7. Diet drinks are not all they are cracked up to be
Many of us opt for diet drinks thinking they are the best option for losing weight. However, some diet versions are very acidic and can damage tooth enamel. There is also the issue of consuming artificial sweeteners which some experts claim are toxic to human beings.

8. Dairy products
Dairy foods seem to have had a bad press over the last few years, however, it’s important to remember that dairy foods contain vitamins, protein and calcium – All essentials for a healthy diet.

Dairy products, like all food groups, should be consumed in moderation as part of a healthy diet. The only area that you should be careful of over consumption are the high saturated fat products such as cheese or butter. Remember that you can always choose the lower fat options such as semi-skimmed milk.

There is also a school of thought that the body reacts to artificial sweetener by raising insulin levels leaving you craving snacks such as chocolate. Water is still the best option!

9. A good old fry up.
Whilst a traditional English breakfast that is dripping in fat may not be good for you neither are breakfast cereals that contain lots of sugar and salt. Why not try a healthy cooked breakfast consisting of poached eggs, baked beans, grilled mushrooms and wholegrain toast. It has the added advantage of keeping you fuller for longer.

10. Not all meats are bad
Dieters who give up meat hoping that it will be better for them are probably wrong. Meat and fish in moderation provides vital protein for the body. If you really must give up meat then make sure you find alternative sources of protein in your diet.