Top 10 Dieting Myths

We've all heard them ... and, unfortunately, believed a few of them. From calorie counting to fending off fat, these are the 10 most common dieting myths ... and the true facts that will set the record straight.

1. If I drastically cut calories, I'll lose weight faster.

   When you take your caloric intake down too low, you are actually sending your body into "starvation mode". Your body wants to maintain your weight when it "thinks" you are starving; therefore, your metabolism will actually slow down and you may not lose weight.

   More: How Low Can You Go?

2. The stricter the diet, the better it will work.

   The stricter a diet is -- completely eliminating entire food groups; eating just one food (e.g. cabbage soup) -- the less effective it will be in the end. You'll get tired of the allowed food and when you feel really deprived, you're likely to call it quits altogether.

   More: Don't Deprive Yourself!

3. I should get rid of my favorite less-than-healthful foods.

   By treating yourself to your old favorites now and again, you'll stay motivated and you'll be less likely to give in to a binge. Just make sure you get back on track after your treat. Moderation is the key to successful, long-term weight loss.

   More: Banish All-or-Nothing Thinking

4. Eating late at night will cause me to gain weight.

   All things considered, it doesn't really matter when you eat, only how many calories you eat and burn in a day. Whether you're eating in the morning or at midnight your body turns any extra calories into fat. In fact, eating a light snack -- like cheese and crackers -- before bed may help you sleep better.

   More: Back to Basics

5. I shouldn't eat between meals.

   On the contrary, eating a small, healthful snack between meals will help keep your blood sugar at an even keel and keep your metabolism going strong. You'll also avoid getting too hungry so you don't over-eat at your next meal.

   More: Snacking Solutions

6. Fat is bad.

   Everybody needs to include some fat in their diet. We need it; plus, it makes dishes more satisfying and palatable. Some fats are even good for you, like omega-3 fatty acids, which are found predominantly in fish and shellfish.

   More: Fat & Satiety

7. Skipping meals will help me lose weight.

   On the contrary, skipping meals may actually cause you to gain weight! Your metabolism plummets and you get over-hungry. Plus, you may be under-shooting your daily calorie requirement which will backfire on you. That's why eating the meal we skip most, breakfast, can actually help us lose weight.

   More: Breakfast for (Weight Loss) Champions

8. Dairy is a "don't" on healthy diets.

   With non- and low-fat varieties of most dairy products on the market, working dairy into your diet is a definite "do". Women in particular need the calcium dairy products provide. Not to mention the fact that research has shown eating enough calcium can give our weight loss efforts a boost.

   More: So it Does do a Body Good!

9. It all boils down to willpower.

   Yes, willpower may be a factor when it comes to how we respond to cravings, but a lot more factors can impact our weight, including genetics, culture, home environment, activity level and health issues. The good news is eating a healthy diet and exercising can help you overcome these influences.

   More: The Causes of Obesity

10. Drinking a lot of water can help me lose weight.

    Drinking water in and of itself will not lead to weight loss. Of course, water is key to a healthy lifestyle and drinking enough has tons of benefits; but when people lose weight due to drinking water, it's most likely because they're substituting if for high-calorie juices and sodas.

    More: Water Works