It is tempting to look for a quick and easy way to lose weight. There are many diet myths on the internet. It's hard to know which ones have evidence behind them and which ones are just fanciful.

The evidence behind the biggest diet myths can be found in our guide. We spoke to a registered nutritionist to find out the truth behind eating fads and exercise myths.

Check out our guide to dieting tricks that really do work, from scheduling meals to lowering stress levels, as well as the bestprotein powder to add to shakes and smoothies and keep you fuller for longer.

1. "Low-fat foods lead to low-fat bodies”

People think that they can lose weight by eating low-fat versions of their favorite foods. A study published in Clinical Nutrition found that low-fat diet have been linked to health issues such as metabolic syndrome, a condition which can cause Diabetes, Obesity, and hypertension. mayonnaise is still high in fat even though it's labeled as low fat. Some people may replace some of their fat with sugar or salt.

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Fat helps us absorb vitamins. According to Dr Richard Allison, registered nutritionist at Herbalife Nutrition, fat provides you with more than twice the energy of the food you eat. Fat is essential to a number of processes within the body and should be included in a balanced diet.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention encourages people to check the nutrition labels on food and drink to see if it contains healthy fats, such as monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats.

Proponents of grazing say it can help to control blood sugar and aid weight loss.

Patients who have undergone bariatric surgery were found to have a link to weight gain. According to a systematic review, there is a link between loss of control over eating and possible eating disorders.

Researchers found that people who grazed ate an average of 250 to 260 extra calories a day and tended to eat foods with a higher sugar or saturated fat content.

Dr Allison says eating small, frequent meals won't increase your metabolism. Your daily calories and calories per day are more important than the amount of food you eat.

woman making herself a healthy snack

(Image credit: Getty Images)

3. “You can eat whatever you want as long as you exercise”

You need to burn more calories to lose weight. It is possible to burn calories by exercising.

It isn't a healthy way to live if you eat whatever you want in the hopes that you'll burn it all off at the gym. It doesn't take into account the fact that junk food can increase the risk of heart disease and tooth decay.

A diet high in fruits and vegetables, lean meats, and complexCarbohydrates will give you the energy you need for your workouts, as well as setting long-term healthy eating habits that will improve your overall health.

Poor nutrition will prevent you from achieving your goals no matter how hard you work, because you need the right fuel for your body. It's important to replenish the stores that you've used during exercise, not forgetting vitamins and minerals.

4. “Carbs are fattening”

Consuming the right amount of sugars will not lead to weight gain. They play an important role in the body, helping it to get the energy it needs to function.

The type and quantity of sugars are important. White bread, pasta, and rice can make your blood sugars spike quickly, causing a crash in energy levels and a craving for more food. If you want to release energy more slowly and make you feel more full, then you should eat whole grain carbs that are rich in fiber, or if you want to have more of a balanced diet, you should eat a lot of beans.

For most people, avoiding simple sugars, like sugar-laden snacks, is a good piece of advice.

image shows greek yogurt with homemade granola and banana

(Image credit: Getty Images)
  • Related: Good carbs vs bad carbs: What you need to know 

5. “You can’t have any treats when you’re dieting”

Dr Allison says snacking isn't a bad thing if you're snacking in a healthy way. It's important to think about your snack choices if you want to feel better about yourself.

There is evidence that supports the conclusion that the evidence agrees. A study found that people who snacked on mixed tree nuts felt more satisfied than people who ate a lot of pretzels. The heart rate was lower.

There are many healthy options for treats and snacks that can satisfy cravings without being full of fat and sugar. You can add fruit to fat-free yogurt, make your own trail mix, or add cheese to homemade popcorn. Try to eat more vegetables for breakfast.

6. "Certain foods and supplements help you burn fat”

It's tempting to think that you can lose weight with a supplement. The research doesn't back this up.

The effectiveness of fat burning supplements was examined in a systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Nutrition and Health journal. There was no evidence that fat-burning supplements were more effective than exercise or a combination of diet and exercise to lose weight.

There isn't a magic pill or food to get rid of fat, but there are certain foods that can help you power through for a longer period of time. Dr Allison says that no specific food will help burn fat. Some food types that are high in fiber will make you feel full. It will help with the desire to eat.

Bottle of supplements

(Image credit: Getty)
  • Related: 11 fiber rich foods to support digestive health 

7. “Giving up gluten will boost weight loss”

Recent years have seen a rise in popularity of giving upGluten to lose weight According to Dr Allison, there isn't good evidence to suggest that giving upGluten will result in weight loss.

A naturally healthy diet with less processed foods and more fruit and vegetables can be achieved with the avoidance ofGluten. This doesn't mean that it's the cause of gaining weight

High levels of sugar and fat can be found in many processed snacks and meals. Your diet is less balanced if you don't know which foods containGluten and if you avoid allCarbohydrates in the hopes of avoidingGluten.

If you want to follow a diet that seems like a healthy alternative, be sure to include grains that are free of wheat, oats, and other wheat-derived ingredients.

The article is not meant to give medical advice.