Wait, What?! Nutrition Labels are Dirty Liars?

No one is safe. Even though you try and try to lose weight, sometimes the scale never budges. Well, there may be a reason for that.

A study from Tufts University found that the calorie counts on restaurant food, frozen food from well-known diet programs, and fast food restaurants. I mean, some of it can be expected - each restaurant is making food by hand at some level. But over time (if you're counting calories especially) a few extra calories here and there can sabotage a diet.

The study found that restaurants were claiming around 18% less calories than actual, and frozen foods 8%. I'm more concerned about the frozen foods - these are entrees from Weight Watchers and Lean Cuisine! Reputable companies! Uncool (get it...frozen, uncool? eh?).

However, in some of the side dishes tested from restaurants, the discrepancy was 200% higher than claimed! And some meals didn't account for the free side dishes served with the main course. It's a restaurant-created slippery slope.

How can you combat this? A few tips:
1. Dressing on the side! This is were employee error falls into play. They probably don't have measuring utensils for dressings, sauces, and condiments. Always order on the side so you have full control.

2. Plan ahead. OK so this isn't entirely helpful at this point, but you can at least make educated guesses on whether or not the fries or mashed potatoes are factored into your calorie counts.

3. Customize. Restaurants have full kitchens - which means you can get anything exactly how you want it. Take a cue from Sally Albright (from When Harry Met Sally) and get finicky with your order. Do you really care if your waiter judges you? You shouldn't! It's your body, your dime!