Fact or Fiction

Carbs make you fat.

• Fact

• Fiction

Answer explanation

Too many calories make you fat. Carbohydrates are actually the body’s preferred choice of energy, especially for the brain. Everyone needs a good mix of carbohydrates, protein, and fat. Each one is essential for the body to function well. Too much of any of them (fat, protein, or carbs) may cause a weight gain due to excessive calorie intake. A low carb diet is nutritionally unbalanced and can cause lots of problems (i.e. lack of energy.)

All types of chocolate are bad for you.

• Fact

• Fiction

Answer explanation

70% dark chocolate has nutrients (antioxidants) that that keep your body healthy. But be sure to moderate your chocolate intake since everything is about balance. We can overdo a good thing. Although it is a great antioxidant, chocolate still contains added sugar, saturated fats and is high in calories.

Eating some snacks in between meals can help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

• Fact

• Fiction

Answer explanation

Your body needs food and nutrients throughout the day – it’s your fuel! When more than four hours go by between meals, your body’s energy supply dips and fatigue starts to set in. So snacking can help combat that! Eating throughout the day keeps your body from going into starvation mode.

Snacks keep your body moving and working so that you have the energy to stay alert and awake. Snacking also prevents overeating. For example, eating a vegetable or fruit snack or a few almonds or walnuts during the day can help keep you full. Just remember nuts are high in calories. So be careful to avoid over-eating them as a snack!

Fruit drinks are healthier and have fewer calories than sugary soda pop.

• Fact

• Fiction

Answer explanation

A 12-ounce can of sugary soda has 140 calories while a 12-ounce can of fruit punch has 180 calories. Both choices are loaded with sugar. Consider choosing water instead! It’s calorie-free and your body needs it!

The less you eat, the more weight you’ll lose.

• Fact

• Fiction

Answer explanation

If you don’t eat, you store what you consume instead of burning it when your body gets food again.

Skipping meals is not a good way to lose weight.

• Fact

• Fiction

Answer explanation

Studies show that people who skip breakfast and eat fewer times during the day tend to be heavier than people who eat a healthy breakfast and four or five times a day. People who skip meals tend to feel hungrier later on and eat more than they normally would. It may also be that eating many small meals throughout the day helps people control their appetites.

Fat is bad for you. A no-fat diet is the best of all.

• Fact

• Fiction

Answer explanation

Fats are absolutely essential for the body to function normally and well. A moderate amount of fat will keep the cells intact, help regulate blood pressure, and keep hormones functioning properly. There are lots of different types of fat, and some are better than others. Some healthier sources of fats include olive oil, avocado, nuts.

Fad diets aren’t always meant to help you lose weight and be healthy.

• Fact

• Fiction

Answer explanation

Different fad diets are created to make money (40-50 billion dollars annually to be exact). If the concept of dieting actually worked, they would cease to exist. Fad diets are often about restriction and about fighting against your body’s biology, but we should focus more on making sure our body is getting enough (but not too much) of the nutrients it needs.

When it comes to health, your waist size can matter more than your total weight.

• Fact

• Fiction

Answer explanation

Your waist size may be more important for your overall health than your weight. The upper limit is 40 inches for men and 37 inches for women. Fat elsewhere on your body is not as dangerous. Waist fat is particularly dangerous because it can compromise your organ functions and increase stress on those organs.