Our mums are always telling us fresh is best, our friends insist carbs are evil and our boyfriends say oysters are an aphrodisiac. They're all wrong, writes Shelly Horton.
1. Oysters are an aphrodisiac
Say it's not true! Everyone says oysters have aphrodisiac powers. However, oysters don't have a secret chemical agent that boosts your sex drive. Sure, they contain zinc, which is great for men (a bit of lead in the pencil) but will not make him toey. Sydney-based dietitian Susie Burrell says: "Zinc is linked to the sexual hormone but does not have an effect on libido.
However, some people say oysters are an aphrodisiac because they look like parts of the female anatomy." Libido is mostly in the mind so maybe it's the romantic restaurant that's doing more work than the oyster entree.
2. Long-life milk is full of chemicals
It makes sense to think if milk can sit on a cupboard shelf for months it would need preservatives but it's not true. The secret lies in the application of high-temperature technologies. Karen Fischer, nutritionist and author of The Healthy Skin Diet says, "Milk is heated to 135 degrees then quickly cooled. That makes 'bad' bacteria perish, but all the minerals are retained. So long life milk is great as a stand by if you run out of fresh milk."
3. Light olive oil is "light" on calories
The "light" refers to the colour, not the fat content. "Shoppers are tricked into thinking light olive oil is better for you. That's impossible: it's still oil, it's simply lighter in colour. This is a case of really having to check the labels," Fischer says.
4. It is not safe to refreeze meat after it has thawed
Most mums have trotted out this myth ... however, it is actually safe to thaw and refreeze meat. But you do have to be very careful. The meat must be thawed in a fridge at five degrees or less. At this temperature, most bacteria responsible for food poisoning cannot grow and those that can, do so very slowly and are killed by subsequent cooking. "Keeping it cold will keep it safer. I actually do this myself," Burrell says. So no defrosting on the kitchen sink then chucking it back in the freezer or you'll be driving the porcelain bus. And just a warning, thawing and refreezing meat makes it lose its juices and go tough.
5. Carbohydrates cause you to gain weight
Carbohydrates do not cause weight gain unless they contribute to excess calorie intake. The same holds true for protein and fat. Burrell says it's all in the selection: "The trouble with carbs is they can be easy to overeat. If they are highly processed, like white flour and pasta, it is turned into sugar quickly and means you don't stay full for long. So you need to choose the right sort."
Fischer adds: "I'm a big fan of carbs. They help you concentrate. It's a good brain food, just don't overeat. High-protein low-carb is a fad diet and not a life choice. So choose good-quality wholegrain carbs; they are more fulfilling and keep you satisfied longer."
6. Fresh vegies are better than frozen
Many frozen vegies are just as nutritious, or in some cases even more nutritious, than fresh ones. Frozen vegetables are usually processed within hours of picking and few nutrients are lost in the freezing process, therefore they keep their high vitamin and mineral content.
Fischer says: "Fresh vegies can take weeks or even months before they reach the dinner table and some vitamins are gradually lost over time." Burrell adds: "But vitamin loss also has to do with the cooking method. If vegies are boiled to within an inch of their life, they'll have no vitamins because it seeps out into the water."
7. Made in Australia means it's 100 per cent Aussie
According to the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, "Made in Australia" means a product is substantially transformed in Australia and at least 50 per cent of the cost of production has been incurred here. "Product of Australia" means all significant ingredients come from Australia, and all or virtually all of the manufacturing or processing is carried out in Australia. So Product of Australia is a stronger claim.
8. The healthier option at a restaurant is a vegetarian dish
Well, it depends on the dish, but some vegetarian meals are high in fat, especially if they're fried or are made with cheese or pastry. "There are a lot of unhealthy vegetarians out there so don't be fooled," says Fischer. Burrell agrees: "The problem with vegetarian meals is that cream-based sauce or butter is used to make them tasty. If you choose a pasta or risotto it has to be very plain tomato sauce to be the low-fat option." In fact, red meat can be low in fat if it's lean and all the visible fat has been removed. A great low-fat option is chicken without the skin, or fish that has been steamed.
9. It's best not to eat after 7pm
It's not when you eat but what you eat that counts. Eat more calories than you burn and you'll get fatter. But late snacking can push your calorie intake over the edge. Burrell: "It's best to have regular mealtimes so you can keep track. And having 10-12 hours without food supports hunger so you start the day with a healthy breakfast." Fischer adds: "Eating just before you go to bed can hamper sleep patterns in that it messes with your insulin. I'd suggest you don't eat for two to three hours before bed."
10. Fat-free equals calorie-free
Munching on fat-free foods may seem the guilt-free way to lose weight but a lot of fat-free foods have the same amount or even more calories than regular versions. Fischer says: "You're just as likely to gain weight from high-sugar products as high-fat products." Get the facts on fat-free foods by checking food labels for the serving size and number of calories per serving."
