While many diet books recommend not eating anything once the clock ticks at 8pm, medical researchers beg to disagree. According to a research done by the Winchester Hospital, the time of day you eat doesn’t affect how your body processes food.

In losing weight, the total number of calories you consume and how much you exercise during the day matters most.

Do not let the fine print deceive you. A lot of low-fat or no-fat foods still have added sugar, salt, and starch to make up for the reduction in fat. More often than not, these "wonder" foods have just as many calories as the ordinary or regular versions of the goods. 

To make sure you're getting the right amount of calories and nutrients your body needs, do not be afraid to check the nutrition label. Look out for the serving size and how many calories are in a serving. 

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Time and time again, medical experts and dietitians remind people of the dangers of a crash diet. For Lori Noble, MD, a physician at Penn Medicine, starving one's self will only lead to temporary results. “They’re not going to help you burn calories or fat in the long run. You may see a decrease in the number on the scale, but it won’t improve your overall health outcomes.”

The expert added that this type of diet is too hard to maintain. The person could also miss out on other essential nutrients as crash diets can be limited in the variety of food consumed. “You’ve lost some weight but then go back to eating how you were before,” Dr Noble explained.

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Bodyweight is not the best indicator of internal well-being; when it comes to health, a much better indicator is a person's diet. In an interview, Eduard Tiozzo, a researcher and faculty member at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, explained that there are two types of fats: subcutaneous and visceral. 

Subcutaneous fat is the fat beneath our skin, while visceral fat is the one that surrounds our abdominal organs. According to Tiozzo, the latter can be more dangerous to our health. "Someone could have a normal body mass index (BMI), but too much visceral fat, putting them at risk for conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and even dementia." 

For Tiozzo, a healthier lifestyle that involves physical activities and a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean meats can help lessen visceral fats. 

When people hear "carbs" they automatically assume that these are very bad for the body. However, medical experts say that these are good for people who have strenuous activities during day time. Carbohydrates help fuel the brain, kidneys, heart muscles, and central nervous system. 

Some experts agree that the type and quantity of carbohydrates that a person consumes are the ones that play a big role in weight gain. 

Sugar in some desserts are often replaced with natural sweeteners like honey; the ingredient is lower on the glycemic index and it doesn’t spike one's blood sugar rapidly. However, Jessica Tong, a registered dietitian based in Calgary, warned that a teaspoon of honey contains more calories than a teaspoon of sugar. “Although honey contains trace vitamins and minerals, the effects in our bodies are likely negligible because of the small amount," she explained.