CBS News/ April 13, 2012, 11:54 AM

Why calories count: 10 common myths busted

Flickr/Glory Foods

(CBS News) We know the way to lose weight is to cut pesky calories from our diet, but do we really know the skinny about the numbers we keep counting?

Nutrition experts Dr. Marion Nestle, Paulette Goddard Professor in the department of nutrition, food studies, and public health at New York University and Dr. Malden Nesheim, Professor Emeritus of nutritional sciences at Cornell University, delved into why calories matter in their new book, "Why Calories Count: From Science to Politics."

Can a person really burn a few hundred calories in mere minutes? What's really driving the obesity epidemic? With help from Nestle and Nesheim, here are calorie facts versus fiction...

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vielmann says:: This is the most ridiculous book I have ever seen. Some "myths" I've never heard of before. Whoever says that calories in alcohol don't count? Give me a break. And, on this very site, study after study is quoted alleging that frequent and smaller meals do indeed contribute to weight loss and help keep people thin. Finally, the BS about breakfast - they merely dismiss the studies about eating breakfast. The truth is that people DO overcompensate when they skip meals. Oh, and to dismiss the fact that our automatic society hasn't decreased our activity levels is ludicrous. I suggest the authors of this book move to a country where they have to handwash everything and walk to most destinations and then get back to us about how they got fat. So stupid.; reply

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foo8259 says:: "According to the local paper they coined this phrase of SOBS for Scum on bicycles. They think you are a criminal or parolee in this town if you ride a bicycle." -- ludvig1-2009 Know what you mean, I bike about 1/2 a mile 1/4 of that on a public road just to save gas when checking my Rural mailbox. I have had jokers shout "get off the road" or blow their horns at me -- but the worst is at night, they bright you with their high beams! I have been tempted to pull my 60mw 'Light Sabre.' Bikes have the same right of way as cars or pedestrians. Ask any cop? BTW: my FBS is always 88 and my A1c is less than 4 on a very low-carb "Paleo" type of diet. Exercising to lose weight is an exercise in frustration -- it just makes you more hungry.; reply

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ludvig1-2009 says:: I used to be able to burn 1000 calories in an hour on the stairmaster, but since the gym was more interested in making money than the well being of their customers, I now do my exercise by walking and riding my bicycle and it takes about 2 hours and 50 minutes to get that 1000 calories of exercise a day in. I originally weighed 260.9. I now weigh 230.1 for my 6 ft. 2 1/2 inch frame. I started exercising when the blood sugar jumped from a high normal range 99 to 113, halfway to 126 diabetes and the doc gave me a warning. I lost 20 lbs. in 20 days after he scared me with that warning by doing 1000 calories a day of exercise and limiting myself to 2000 calories of food. I now count calories to maintain weight and exercise. Blood sugar is back in normal range, at least the last physical a year ago it was. The bad part of exercising outside are the cops. According to the local paper they coined this phrase of SOBS for Scum on bicycles. They think you are a criminal or parolee in this town if you ride a bicycle. I've been harassed by those idiots several times and I'm a retired nuclear engineer and 14 gallon blood donor.; reply

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lillyhorton says:: You could start with cooking your own meals rather than going out to eat every week.; reply

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foo8259 says:: If "calories count" you're counting the wrong kinds of calories! From what I have been seeing in mainstream media "nutritionist" and "expert" are two words that don't belong in the same sentence. "crossfit" is close to being right IMO, but even that plan has problems. I do an low-carb high-fat version of Atkins, I don't count calories -- only carbs. I used to weigh 236 now I am down to 175, health and bloodwork have never been better. I seldom exercise.; reply

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robertzbaker says:: Enjoy free samples of the newest brands and latest products, search online for "Official Samples" you do not need CC.; reply

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flexsf says:: 1. Try to stop eating before you feel full! 15 minutes after you floss and brush teeth you'll feel full.
2. Floss and brush teeth after eating anything!
3. Drink water all day long.
4. Consume at least 1 cup of cooked legumes (can be scooped up with a few corn chips) every day.
5. Eat lots of steamed spinach or broccoli before your biggest meal. (drink with water)
6. (Repeat) Floss and brush teeth after eating anything!
7. Join a commercial gym and exercise your body.
8. Enroll in at least 1 college class per semester.; reply