TOP NUTRITION & FITNESS MYTHS & TRUTHS THE ANSWERS REVEALED

1. Myth: Drinking 100% fruit juice is the same as eating fruit. Though you'll get about the same nutrients from fruit or its juice, you won't get nearly the same amount of fiber in the juice. So, choose the whole fruit most often to boost fiber in your diet.

2. Truth: There's no way to spot-reduce or lose fat in a specific body part. There's no way to lose fat from a specific body part, like your stomach or thighs, by exercising that certain body part. When you exercise regularly and eat right you'll lose body fat from all over your body.

3. Truth: Taking a vitamin-mineral supplement does not make up for a poor diet. There's no substitute for eating food. A vitamin-mineral supplement can help you meet basic nutritional needs, but it's not a replacement for good nutrition.

4. Myth: Eating late at night causes weight gain. If you're eating more calories than your body needs at a late hour, you'll likely gain weight. But, if those late-night calories are needed, they won't cause weight gain. For instance, if you exercise in the evening, you'll want more of your calories then.

5. Myth: Bread, rice and pasta are fattening. No single food is fattening. Weight gain is caused by too many calories, period. Eating whole-grain and enriched bread, rice and pasta is part of a healthful eating plan. Do beware of portion sizes.

6. Myth: Healthy food, such as fruits and vegetables, are expensive to buy. Pound for pound, fruits and vegetables are less expensive than processed foods. Plus, other healthful choices, like dried beans, are just nickels per serving.