Diet myths debunked

When eating out, a salad is always the best option.

FALSE!

It's easy to believe that all salads are healthy but this is not actually the case. Some salads contain fatty ingredients and could, in some cases, contain more calories than a steak and fries.

High fat ingredients include croutons, crispy bacon, mayonnaise and oily dressings - these don't really add any vitamins and minerals, they all considerably boost the calories, fat and salt content of the dish.

Cheese and nuts contain more nutrients, but they can still add a lot of calories when mixed in a salad.

Organic food is "healthier" than non-organic food.

FALSE! (mostly)

Organic food isn't automatically the healthier option as the term 'organic' refers to the farming methods used to produce the food - not it's nutrient contain. Therefore, organic food might be better for environment but eating more of it doesn't necessarily mean you'll have a lower calorie diet.

Organic biscuits, chocolate and cakes contain on average just as much fat, sugar and salts as their non-organic counterparts - and it's often harder to find the 'healthier' alternatives in organic ranges.

However, products such as organic fruit won't have been sprayed with insecticides and animals raised for organic meat won't in most cases have been fed antibiotics.

Having a traditional cooked breakfast in the morning can be a healthy choice.

TRUE!

This myth is certainly true as long as you have a 'grill-up' and not a 'fry-up'

If you grill lean bacon, peach and eggs and include baked beans, grilled tomatoes and mushrooms (not cooked in oil/fat), this meal can then easily be healthy and balanced.

Maintaining your new healthy weight.

Achieving your weight goal is, for many, like winning the battle but not necessarily the war.

Remember, it is important to maintain your new slimmer, healthier body for the long run.