Women tell 474 lies a year about their diet

Women tell nearly 500 fibs a year about their eating and drinking habits, according to a survey.

Women tell almost 500 lies a year about their diet, most commonly over chocolate, cheese and wine Photo: Alamy

"It was only a small portion," is women's favourite untruth, and one of nine lies told weekly by the average woman.

It is followed by "I'll have a big lunch so I won't eat much after this", and "I only treat myself once in a while."

Claiming always to eat five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, never eating biscuits and only drinking one glass of wine a day are also common falsehoods, according to a study released by Timex.

Women often claim to be only "eating the kids' leftovers" or "testing the dinner" when indulging, the watch manufacturer found.

Other questionable claims include never eating fast food, only drinking to toast a special occasion and claiming that red wine is healthy.

Chocolate, crisps, cake, wine, cheese and bread are among the foods most likely to be the subject of deception, the survey of 3,000 people found.

Dr Cassandra Maximenko said: "Studies show that keeping a food diary can double weight loss but it seems that rather than being honest about the food and drink which passes our lips, many women are lying about it, or completely denying it altogether.

"But while this might save them some embarrassment in front of their partner or friends in the short term, it's not going to help them reach their health and weight loss goals in the future.

"By lying to their loved ones, women are also lying to themselves and could easily see their weight creep up."



Read more: http://www.independent.ie/lifestyle/independent-woman/health-fitness/women-tell-474-lies-a-year-about-their-diet-2981775.html#ixzz1imV2nnFt