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Dieting Mistakes to Avoid (Plus Tips & Tricks!)

Posted Tue, Oct 30, 2007, 5:00 am PDT

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Here are some of the most-asked Qs, answered by Hungry Girl herself...

Q: Is it true that many so-called "zero-calorie" foods (like spray butter, nonstick cooking spray, and sweetener packets) really do have calories?!

A: Yes, it is true that foods that supposedly contain zero calories actually do have calories. But they have less than five calories per serving. They're usually a great alternative to high-calorie products (like regular butter, oil, and sugar), but you need to know that the calories do add up, depending on how many servings you're actually taking in. If serving sizes are small, you could be eating multiple servings of something and taking in more calories than you thought.

Click here for more on zero-calorie foods...

Q: I want to eat more healthy, diet-friendly food, but that stuff is so expensive (and fatty, high-cal stuff always seems to be so cheap)! How can I eat right on a budget?

A: Stock up on frozen fruits and veggies instead of fresh ones. Buy specialty stuff (that you absolutely love!) in bulk or when an online special offer rolls around. And instead of buying those pre-portioned snacks (like 100-calorie packs), buy the regular bags and divvy up the servings yourself when you get home.

For more budget-friendly food tips, click here...

Q: I've always thought margarine was better for you than butter, but I recently realized they have the same high calorie and fat counts! What's the deal?

A: While they are similar when it comes to fat and calories, margarine has less saturated fat (that's why it's often touted as being better for you -- and hardly any of them have trans fats now). For an option lower in calories and overall fat, go for light whipped butter or light buttery spread -- most of those have only 45 calories and 5g fat per tablespoon, while regular margarine or butter has more than twice that.

Click here for more info on the butter/margarine debate...

Q: What are the dumbest diet mistakes that I should avoid making?

A: One of the biggest mistakes is skipping meals -- you'll only end up eating more at your next meal. Also, thinking you're "on" or "off" a diet is another bad idea -- it's much better to approach your eating plan as a lifestyle change, and then take one day at a time. Another mistake would be not realizing the importance of exercise. Just a few minutes a day can help. Dieting alone makes weight loss more difficult, but even small changes (like parking farther from the door at the mall and taking stairs instead of the elevator) add up when it comes to calorie-burning.

For more dieting mistakes, check out HG's full report on 'em...

Q: I refuse to give up fast food! How can I make it work on a diet?

A: Please don't assume salads and items labeled "healthy" are always diet-friendly. Check websites of fast food restaurants for full nutritional info ahead of time so you know what you're getting into. Leave off fatty condiments and extras (like mayo and cheese) and opt for ones that are low in calories and fat (salsa, mustard, veggies, and more).

Click here for the ultimate guide to guilt-free fast food, including shockers, swaps, restaurant details and more...

Q: You recommend so many great food products -- I simply can't keep 'em all straight! Can you put them all together in a grocery list for me?

A: Sure. Here you go!

For more Q&A with Hungry Girl, plus tips, tricks, recipes, food finds, and more, go to hungry-girl.com and sign up for free daily emails!

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241 Comments

1. Posted by joni on Tue, Oct 30, 2007, 5:46 am PDT

As usual, great info!
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2. Posted by honeybear1994 on Tue, Oct 30, 2007, 11:48 am PDT

WHY ARE DIET SODAS BAD FOR YOU.?
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3. Posted by Heather B on Tue, Oct 30, 2007, 12:52 pm PDT

I am always hungry I just had a baby 5 months a go and sence I had him I have gained 35lbs I drink a great big glass of water before eating and I still eat alot and I mean a lot I dont know what to do i cant kill the hunger please help with some suggestions
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4. Posted by Becca B on Tue, Oct 30, 2007, 12:54 pm PDT

Soda/Pop, diet or not, usually contains sodium, which adds up. In addition, the component which causes the "fizziness" has been linked to an increase in osteoporosis.
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5. Posted by Cathy1359 on Tue, Oct 30, 2007, 2:06 pm PDT

How cardio can make you gain wt instead of loosing wt?
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6. Posted by chaeysa on Tue, Oct 30, 2007, 5:23 pm PDT

All sodas have been linked (sometimes inconclusively) to certain health risks; however, diet sodas also have the added disadvantage for those trying to cut sweets that they actually increase your desire for natural sugar. I think you're better off squeezing a bit of lemon or lime into water and drinking that and staying away from all sodas.
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7. Posted by rmazzell on Wed, Oct 31, 2007, 2:35 pm PDT

It's ture that diet pop can incease your desire for sweets, but if your like me it can also calm those moments when your really craving somethimg sweet..
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8. Posted by on Fri, Nov 02, 2007, 6:32 pm PDT

One thing to remember is; anything containing high fructose corn syrup is going to eliminate the message your brain gets from your stomach saying "I'm full". Soda always has high fructose corn syrup as well as many "snack" type foods. Avoid, avoid, avoid. High froctose corn syrup is a huge exacerbator of binge eating, because you never get the message that you're full.
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9. Posted by Johanna B on Tue, Nov 06, 2007, 1:43 pm PST

I have no increased desire for sweets (I hardly ever eat candy or chocolate, and I dont feel the need to dash to the store for pastries) and I have been drinkiing diet sodas for 25 years. My theory is that if you are switching from regular soda, and aren't used to the lack of calories, your body may try to cue for more calories of any kind, not just sweet ones. Just like cutting back calories in anything else. No I''m not an expert but this has worked for me. If you are experiencing this, try accompanying your diet soda with the same equivalent calories (100-150 ish) of fruit or nuts. Tons healthier than a can of coke. Stay away from high fructose corn syrup (read labels! esp. canned soups, sauces, and dressings). Cardio sends your body into feed-me mode and because it uses up so much glucose, drops your blood sugar to the point where you crave food so bad you can't not eat. I find weight lifting is far more effective at keeping a better figure. I stopped wanting to eat after exercising when I cut my cardio time down by 75%,
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10. Posted by ellenmonds@sbcglobal.net on Wed, Nov 07, 2007, 2:58 pm PST

I totally disagree with stocking up on frozen veggies. Fresh veggies are the only way to go and organic if possible, however they are more expensive, but so is hospitalization. It has been said that all the preservatives in our food is what makes us fat. If we can all go to a more natural way of eating, I believe those pounds will start to melt off, since the body knows how to get rid of natural unprocessed foods and stores all the chemicals on our organs, not knowing how to get rid of them. It has also been said if you can not pronounce it on the label, don't buy it!!
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11. Posted by mifamiliamv@sbcglobal.net on Wed, Nov 07, 2007, 2:59 pm PST

im confused on what to give my kids, so sugar free drinks are not good they still contain calories, like sugar free lemonade mix powders and so on. Sometimes i feel like they make my kids crave more and get hungry faster.
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12. Posted by smallspuds on Wed, Nov 07, 2007, 3:19 pm PST

That shopping list is the most ridiculous thing I've seen! What's with all the name brand diet food? Diet foods make you hungrier and are generally full of chemicals. A sensible eating plan (not "diet") is the key to healthy living - whole grains, vegetables, low natural sugar fruits, low fat meats and dairy, and good quality fats - minimal amounts. Weight loss is an added benefit - slow but sustainable. It's the only "diet" I've been able to follow for longer than a couple of weeks. I feel better after changing my habits than I have in years - frosting on the cake, so to speak!
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13. Posted by cynic on Wed, Nov 07, 2007, 3:45 pm PST

Heather B. -- My bet is that you are hungry because the lack of sleep. Try to sleep more (nap with your new born) and try eating slowly. Chewing your food slowly gives the brain time to catch up to the fullness of your tummy. The Japanese go with eat until your 80% full rule. That should also help. It gives your stomach and brain to sync up as well. Hope this helps!
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14. Posted by Carol A on Wed, Nov 07, 2007, 3:57 pm PST

What does a person do that is allergic to sugar substitue?
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15. Posted by nataliandmadisonsmom on Wed, Nov 07, 2007, 3:58 pm PST

Love the grocery list.....very informative!
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16. Posted by Andrea T on Wed, Nov 07, 2007, 3:58 pm PST

Something that I recently discovered in my extreme quest to lose weight is that caffeine makes it harder for people to lose weight. I was drinking almost 3 cups of coffee a day and had a really difficult time losing the weight so I decided to go through the painful withdrawal (headaches!) and switch to green tea. By green tea, I don't mean the Arizona brand loaded with sugar, but NATURALLY decaffeinated brands such as Salada or Lipton. Products that aren't naturally decaffienated contain more chemicals than the caffeine itself. Since I've made the switch (and with healthier life choices and exercise of course) I've lost close to 8 pounds in 2 months, but not until recently did the weight start coming off. For those who are having a hard time getting motivated, remember that those first two months are difficult, but you'll be glad you made the decision!! Hope this helps!
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17. Posted by obeahlion on Wed, Nov 07, 2007, 3:59 pm PST

Let me get this straight: as if counting calories isn't bad enough, you're trying to scare people by suggesting that those few packets of Equal or Splenda that they dump in their coffees each day is going to make them fat? Even if they eat a dozen packets a day, that is barely 50 calories, or 1% of the recommended daily caloric intake for a female. Good thing you call this page "tips and tricks" instead of "considered advice without blatant scare tactics". Like "Smallspuds" said, healthy living comes from eating sensibly, not dieting and freaking out about a calorie here and there. Life is too short for nonsense like this!
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18. Posted by Cassy on Wed, Nov 07, 2007, 3:59 pm PST

Half that food on the list they gave contains high fructose corn syrup, msg, hydrogenated oils and aspartame (artificial sweetener). If you don;t think aspartame or any of the others are bad for you, look it up online.! Make your own 'common sense' list up. All you have to do is read the food labels and stay away from any foods that contain any of these 4 food additive horrors. Simple :)
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19. Posted by kellya84 on Wed, Nov 07, 2007, 4:00 pm PST

Diet sodas are very bad for you. Firstly, they replace sugar with aspartame. The body does not metabolise this to sugars, so strictly speaking, there is no sugar in diet soda. However, aspartame breaks down to form methanol, which is poisonous. Like all things, moderation is fine, so indulge in that favourite pop everyonce in a while, just dont try to guzzle it like water!
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20. Posted by drgail31 on Wed, Nov 07, 2007, 4:00 pm PST

Frozen veggies are just as healthy as fresh, maybe more so because they are frozen soon after picking versus being bought several days after being picked. And you can buy organic frozen. The advantage is that you can make as little or much as you want, they don't spoil and are available year round. My kids like eating them while still frozen as a snack! mimfamiliamv- give your kids water and milk! no sweet drinks as kids and hopefully they won't be addicited to soda as adults!
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21. Posted by elaineh4 on Wed, Nov 07, 2007, 4:00 pm PST

To Heather B, You need to go to your doctor and have your thyroid gland checked. Pregnancy can be very hard on thyroid function and weight gain like yours after pregnancy is a warning sign.
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22. Posted by ranchmama on Wed, Nov 07, 2007, 4:02 pm PST

It is the caffeine in sodas that is linked to osteoporosis
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23. Posted by hotlantagirl01 on Wed, Nov 07, 2007, 4:02 pm PST

One of the biggest ways to lose weight is to eat as little as possible past 5pm. I eat very little past 5pm, if anything. Plus, I exercise daily and drink lots of water. Even just a few minutes of exercise every day helps, plus avoid finding the "closest" parking space so that you can walk more.
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24. Posted by on Wed, Nov 07, 2007, 4:02 pm PST

Just a quick idea for those of you who like soda. Add fresh lemon and fresh lime wedges to some mineral water for a healthful alternative. You get the sweet and fizz.
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25. Posted by florence4love77 on Wed, Nov 07, 2007, 4:02 pm PST

i we like to met u more better plc email
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26. Posted by Jennifer D on Wed, Nov 07, 2007, 4:03 pm PST

Eellenmonds, you're actually incorrect about fresh vs frozen veggies. Frozen are much fresher and have retained their vitamins as they are frozen at the source/in the field. Fresh veggies sit on trucks, go to warehouses, etc. and are days if not more than a week or so before getting to your table. Most of the vitamins are lost within a few days, so if you buy at a grocery store and not a farmer's market, frozen is definitely better.
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27. Posted by dionyseustruthseeker on Wed, Nov 07, 2007, 4:03 pm PST

I disagree with bella_beth_ca's claim that diet sodas make you eat more. Thanks partly to diet sodas I'm no longer overweight and at 5'6" 146 I'm in the best shape of my life at 25 years old.
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28. Posted by Nunya on Wed, Nov 07, 2007, 4:03 pm PST

different steps at losing weight varies from person to person, when i lost 70 lbs i was at the gym everyday for about 1 or 2 hrs. and i ate ne thing i wanted. but the thing is i didnt eat after 7pm. and if i did want soemthing to snackl on it was fruit or veggies. everybody BODY is different so i say find out what ur body will adjust to. and some form of exercise need to be utilized when getting healthy ir changing eating habits. as of now i work out in the morning and at night for about a hr and 15 mins and its working for me. i dnt drink soda no more i only drink flavored water. do what works for she/he body, thats my advice to everyone.
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29. Posted by rhianna4496 on Wed, Nov 07, 2007, 4:04 pm PST

I think people should not be able to say that if it is not true
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30. Posted by dratr2007 on Wed, Nov 07, 2007, 4:05 pm PST

I cannot believe that this article touts margerine as a healthier choice than butter. Just a little advice -if nature made it is always a better choice than if man made it. Come on it is common sense: oh yeah artificial sweeteners are linked to multiple forms of cancer- you will be thin and dead.
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