Healthy Village

Losing weight permanently to improve your health is serious business. But that doesn't mean we can't have a little fun every now and then. Some "healthy diet foods" and "healthy food tips" are so ludicrous they make us laugh. Here are 5 of my favorites:

1. Celery has negative calories

While fresh raw vegetables are among the most nutritious foods you can eat, no food will burn more calories eating it than not eating it.

2. Anything you eat after 10pm turns to fat

Late night snacking has a deservedly bad reputation because usually what we're eating isn't contributing to our health or weight loss goals. Let's face it - how many times do you eat salad or steamed vegetables while watching "Survivor"?

Eating late at night can interfere with restful sleep, so try not to make it a habit. Eat a healthy dinner, brush your teeth, and resist the ice cream and chips later on.

3. All carbs are bad

Sure you should minimize sugar in all its forms and processed white flour. But DO eat lots of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains if you want to lose weight for life.

Have you read The China Study by Dr. T. Colin Campbell? His groundbreaking work provides the most comprehensive study ever that a plant based diet plan is best for health and permanent weight loss - and of course plants have lots of carbs!

4. Desserts with fruit are healthy

How many times have you justified apple pie or peach cobler or strawberry cake as healthy because they contain fruit? Sorry - the fat and sugar will more than cancel out any benefit from the fruit.

Want some healthy vegan dessert ideas? Check out this page www.lose-weight-for-life.com/vegan-dessert-recipes.html.

5. You can eat whatever you want after a hard workout

My gym happens to be a couple of doors down from a Starbucks. It's amazing how many people I see indulging in lattes with whipped cream or muffins after their workouts. A recent survey confirmed that many people think they can justify "rewarding" themselves with sugary or fatty foods after a tough workout.

What are your favorite diet myths?