You hear a lot of advice these days about what it means to eat a healthy diet, but sometimes it’s difficult to sort fact from fiction. As a result, many people have a difficult time maintaining a healthy weight because they’ve fallen for some common myths about food. 

Coretta Chaffin, a registered dietitian, said one of the most common misconceptions about food involves fat content. “I often meet people who think that by just eating low-fat or fat-free foods, they’ll automatically lose weight,” said Coretta. “While some low-fat and fat-free foods do have fewer calories than their full-fat counterparts, that’s not always the case. Sometimes they have just as many calories or more and that’s because ingredients can be added to improve the taste and texture of these products such as sugar and flour. And of course, with these additions comes an increase in calories.” That’s why Coretta recommends always checking your food labels for fat content, calories, and serving sizes.

Another food fallacy is that you should avoid dairy foods when you’re trying to lose weight. Low-fat dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese should be eaten every day. They contain a variety of important nutrients that are very important for the body such as protein, which strengthens muscles and helps to burn extra calories; and calcium, which strengthens bones. Coretta added, “Also in dairy products, sometimes vitamin D is added and it has been found that vitamin D helps to promote calcium absorption, to protect the immune system, and it can also help to improve mood.”

Are you also avoiding nuts because of their fat content? Coretta said, “While it is true that nuts are high in both fat and calories, they can be a part of a healthy diet, even when you’re trying to lose weight.” Nuts are a good source of healthy fat, protein, minerals, and fiber. The key is to limit your portion size. 

From an interview with:
Coretta Chaffin, RD

Written by:
Kay Jones Lewis
Editor
Wellness Coalition America