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We all look forward to a bit of indulgence at parties and get-togethers, but after that,  most of us want to shift the kilos we piled on. So we head for the health food aisles in the supermarket and load up our trolleys with foods we think are lighter, leaner and diet-friendly. But are we just wasting our cash? Yes, according to nutrition scientist Professor Michael Lean, of the University of Glasgow, who has called for tighter food regulations to stop gullible shoppers wasting lot of money on ‘quack’ health foods that are useless.

Don’t Believe Hype

Although direct food claims such as ‘low-fat’ or ‘high-fibre’ must be proven, there are no controls on the use of vague terms such as ‘light’ or ‘lean’ or over using pictures of skinny-looking models on packets. Unfortunately, many of us are so desperate to be trim that we happily buy into a product’s weight-loss myth. Research by the Consumers’ Association found that nearly half of all shoppers say they’re prepared to pay extra for diet or healthy foods — so it’s no wonder some unscrupulous manufacturers are cashing in.

Worst Offenders

To make sure you’re not being tricked into buying quack foods that won’t help you slim, Dr Frankie Phillips, from the British Dietetic Association, gives her verdict on some of the worst offenders:

Slimline Cereals, How They Trick You:

They fill their ads with super-slim models so you feel that just by eating them the kilos will fall 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. Yes, studies show that people who eat cereal for breakfast tend to be slimmer but you don’t need a special “slimline” product – which tends to cost more – to enjoy this benefit. You’re better off with: A bowl of porridge or no-frills bran flakes with semi-skimmed milk. Both are naturally low-calorie and high in fibre, which helps to keeps you fuller for longer.

Fitness Waters, How They Trick You:

Slender, hourglass-shaped bottles hint at the body you could achieve after drinking this product, while glossy pictures of wholesome fruits make it feel “natural”. The truth: It’s just water with added sweeteners, 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 regular water — it costs nothing and is calorie-free.

Diet Chocolate, How they trick you:

By using words such as “light”, designing slimline packaging and sitting in the “diet aisle” at the supermarket, these lull us into a false sense of security, so we suddenly believe that a food that’s always been a diet no-go is now fine to eat.

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, or a fun-sized bar.

Breakfast Bars, How They Trick You:

They’re marketed as diet-friendly and feature pictures of healthy-looking fruit and nuts on the packaging, making them seem like a slimming solution if you haven’t got time for a proper breakfast. The truth: They’re kept in the confectionery aisle for good reason — some have the same sugar and fat content as a bar of chocolate! Pick the ones fortified with vitamins and minerals where possible.

You’re better off with: When you’re in a rush, a shop-bought fruit-only smoothie or a banana will fill you up without piling on the kilos.

Diet Yogurts, How They Trick You:

With their svelte-shaped tubs they seem like the perfect diet food, helped by the fact that yoghurt has long been associated with weight-loss. The truth: Not all yoghurts are created equal. Whole-milk and organic varieties are often packed with fat, while “light” versions can sometimes contain more calories than some bog-standard ones, as well as a whole heap of 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 low-fat, natural yoghurt.

Healthier breads, How They Trick You:

They have slim/ trim-sounding names, which makes you think they’re more diet-friendly than normal breads.

The truth: Gram for gram they often have the same fat and calorie content as normal bread, so you’re paying more money for no real benefit. However, some come in smaller slices, which ensures a smaller portion size.

You’re better off with: Supermarket own-brand medium-sliced wholemeal or granary bread — it’s wallet and waistline friendly.

Fruit drinks How they trick you:

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

The truth: It might look a healthier option 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.

These are some really good facts that one needs to follow in order to slap the deceiving ads on TV and other media. Eat natural food and do regular exercise to stay healthy rather than pouring your money on these worthless products. Please do leave your comments and opinion about these truths  and let others benifit from them.

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