1. Carbohydrates make you fat

Carbohydrates have the same number of calories that protein have. They in fact, do not make you fat. An excess intake of fat, carbs or proteins will result in the same effect.

2. Skipping meals helps to lose weight.

By stabilizing your blood sugars eating constant meals no more than 3 hours apart, you are helping yourself to lose weight. Skipping meals slows down your metabolism and leads to overeating at the next meal.

3. Avoid nuts because they are fattening.

Nuts contain fat, but it is the good kinds that lower you LDL cholesterol. Eat them in moderation, but eat them.

4. Sugar cause diabetes.

Sugar is a very unlikely cause of diabetes although diabetics need to watch their sugar intake. The most likely causes of Type 2 diabetes are high calorie diets, inactivity and obesity.

5. Stress does not make you fat.

Stress actually does cause your cortisol levels to increase leading to cravings and overeating. Stress is a contributor to your belly fat. So, by completing your meditations and taking time to relax, you will see a difference in your waistline.

6. Certain types of foods help you to burn fat.

This is simply not true. All foods have a calorie content and they do not contribute to fat loss. The grapefruit diet was a fad. The cabbage soup diet was a fad. Some foods like celery and lettuce contain very little calories and require effort to burn them so perhaps this is where the myth stems.

7. Low fat or fat free means less calories.

Another popular misconception. Low fat foods are often loaded with sugars. Be aware of the entire content and read the label for sugars, fat and calories. Also be aware of the portion sizes. The label may say 100 calories per serving, but there may be 6 servings in the carton and you eat the entire thing.