The worst lies are the ones we tell ourselves. Before the holiday season eating extravaganza is upon us, here are a few common diet lies -- and how your better angel would react if he were awake.
Feel free to add your own in the comment section.
1. Olive oil is good for you.
It is; it also has 120 calories per tablespoon.
2. This pack's only 100 calories.
That's when you eat just one, not four.
3. It's only 140 calories.
Per serving! There were three servings in the pack -- all gone!
4. I'll sweat this dessert off.
Speed-walk for an hour, and it won't make a dent.
5. It's fat-free.
Yeah, but did you look at the sugar?
6. It's sugar-free.
Did you look at the fat?
7. It says "no added sugar."
Just evaporated cane juice and fruit juice concentrate. Who are you kidding?
8. I found this miracle diet.
There are no miracle diets, silly!
9. Chocolate is good for your brain and can help you win a Nobel Prize.
Brain candy is still candy. By the way, who pays for these studies?
10. Wine is good for your heart.
It's also bad for your liver, and has 120 calories a glass.
11. It was a small portion.
Smaller than a mountain, for sure.
12. After this, I'll eat nothing 'til tomorrow.
It's 2 p.m!
13. But I skipped breakfast!
Skipping breakfast awards no prizes.
Final thought: The scale and your old clothes won't lie, and on the other hand, some feasts are well worth their caloric price.
Have a happy and healthy holiday season.
Dr. Ayala