Busting Diet Myths Make Weight Loss More Fun

MIAMI (CBS4) – Millions of people go on diets every year, some are successful and some are not.

There are a lot of diet myths out there that fuel misconceptions about what it takes to lose weight: fat will make you fat, and so will chocolate and carbs.

The diet no-no list is long, and carbs often are pointed to as a culprit, but nutritionist Sally Eisenberg has something to say about that.

"Carbs isn't the enemy. Carbs can be our friend," Eisenberg said.

She says as long as they're whole wheat or complex carbs, which take longer to digest and help stabilize sugar, so you feel fuller longer. She also says another diet myth is that you have to give up chocolate completely.

"It gives us that dopamine affect. So it's a feel good affect. It actually helps with your metabolism," Eisenberg said.

A faster metabolism, means faster weight loss, so a small chocolate treat could help your diet.

Another myth is you have to eat less to lose weight, but Eisenberg said with the right food choices you can and should eat more on a diet.

"People just think I've got to starve myself so that I can fit into these jeans, and it's just really not the case," Eisenberg said.

Nicole Sabella, 23, lost 8 pounds with Eisenberg 's help.

"What's different is just feeling more confident in the choices that I make," Sabella said.

She's a dancer, who has had a life long struggle with weight. Now instead of starving and avoiding all fats, two diet myths busted, Sabella doesn't feel deprived.

"I love guacamole. I don't feel guilty using olive oil or eating almond butter or peanut butter because those are some of the good fats that help me metabolize," she said.

Two other popular weight loss myths include working out in the morning, and you have to exercise for 20 minutes to burn fat. The experts say any exercise, anytime is beneficial.