On a con diet?

Some of the so-called health products just leave your wallet light, not your figure.




Christmas and New Year is only a few weeks away, which means you have the freedom to indulge in sinful desserts and spicy, high-cal meat curries. But once the guilt factor sets in, you are back to the supermarket, heading to the ‘health food’ section. With a sigh, you wean yourself from the chocolates and cheeses and fill your trolleys with expensive stuff that you think are lighter, leaner and diet-friendly.


But in reality, you may be actually spending your hard-earned money on nothing. There are plenty of ‘quack’ health foods that promise much, but do little. Unfortunately, many of us are so desperate to be trim that we happily buy into a product’s weight-loss myth. The trick therefore is to steer clear of these ‘quack’ foods and buy the genuine, tried and tested healthy ones. Here is a rundown on some of the worst offenders.

SLIMLINE CEREALS

The trickery:

They claim to have low fat content, obviously endorsed by a super slim model on the packet. You include them in your breakfast menu hoping the pounds will be knocked off.

The truth:

Many such cereals are no better than normal varieties when it comes to fat content, and some are still packed with sugar. Studies show that people who eat cereal for breakfast tend to be slimmer but you don’t need a special “slimline” product to enjoy this benefit.

You’re better off with:

A bowl of oats or nofrills bran flakes with semi-skimmed milk. Both are naturally low-calorie and high in fibre, which helps to keep you fuller for longer.

FITNESS WATERS

The trickery:


The wholesome fruit pictures make it seem ‘natural’, while hour-glass shaped bottles give you an impression of the figure you will achieve after drinking the product.

The truth:

It’s just water with added sweeteners and vitamins — often in negligible amounts — and tiny amounts of fruit or herb extracts. There’s nothing in the product that will make you slimmer or healthier.

You’re better off with:

Drinking plain boiled tap water — it costs nothing and is calorie-free.

DIET CHOCOLATE

The trickery:

They simply play on your guilt, using words such as “light” and “non-fattening”. This basically lulls you into a false sense of security and you tend to go overboard.

The truth:

These bars still contain some fat, plus those without sugar use artificial sweeteners, which some studies show can actually trick your brain into eating more in the long run.

You’re better off with:

A few small pieces of a good quality, dark chocolate to satisfy your craving. Another way to ward off the guilt is to enjoy your chocolate bar before evening.


DIET YOGHURTS

The trickery:

Yoghurt has always been associated with weight-loss, add the word ‘diet’ before it and you think you have the perfect solution in hand. But that’s where you are being misled.

The truth:

Wholemilk and organic varieties are often packed with fat, while “light” versions can sometimes contain more calories than some standard ones, with additives.

You’re better off with:

A small pot of simple, low-fat fruit yoghurt — but check the sugar content. Or just add your own chopped fruit to natural yoghurt.

FRUIT DRINKS

The trickery:

They cover their bottles with beautiful juicy fruit pictures and give tropical sounding names.

The truth:

It’s healthier than a can of cola but some of these drinks have never even seen an orange or strawberry and are made entirely from flavourings. Even the ones that contain real fruit do so in tiny amounts — and often with the addition of plenty of sugar and additives.

You’re better off with:

Pure, unsweetened fruit juice — and you can even dilute it if you're really worried about the calories.