SOUTHWEST FLORIDA - Does it matter if you eat before bed? Will splurging on cake and ice cream during a party really ruin your diet?

When it comes to food, we've all heard and read the dos and don'ts. At the top of the DON'T list is eating after 8 p.m. But will that late night snack really cause you to gain weight?

Marjorie Chutkan, LMHS, Food & Nutrition says, “The important thing not the time you eat, but it's the amount you eat through out the day that really matters.”

Breakfast may be delicious, but is it really the most important meal of the day?

“Breakfast gives you the jump start toward the day. And it actually boosts your metabolism. If you do not have breakfast in the morning then what tends to happen is that you binge throughout the day then you over eat,” says Chutkan.

Another myth is that no matter what you do or say, a child will not touch or eat healthy food.

“We have found that when kids are in menu planning and helping to prepare the meals they will accept that meal even better than when you tell them its good for you to eat,“ says Chutkan.

Marjorie says splurging on cake during a party isn't going to ruin your healthy diet, as long as you pay attention to the portion size and enjoy it in moderation. If you need a little help separating the food facts from the bologna, talk to a registered dietitian.