Diet foods are being labeled as ‘low-fat,’ ‘low-calorie,’ and ‘fat-free.’ Many diet foods may do more harm than good to your waistline. The problem is identifying which foods are going to be a challenge if you are trying to get healthier and lose weight. Learn more about the foods out there and how to be more aware of their impact on your health.
Smoothies and Shakes
Smoothies and protein shakes are all over the place right now as a wellness and fitness food that everyone should try. They are claiming it also helps shed excess weight. While some smoothies and protein shakes are nutritious, others are loaded with calories and sugar. Certain protein shakes pack almost 400 calories per bottle. Smoothies and protein shakes are consumed quickly, stuffing the body with excessive calories and sugar.
Low-Fat Flavored Yogurt
Fat is a filling nutrient that amplifies food’s flavors. When fat is removed to reduce the calorie content of certain foods. Many low-fat yoghurts are loaded with added sugars. Full-fat dairy may even be a better choice than low-fat dairy.
Fresh-Pressed Juices
Many people drink fresh juices made of fruits, veggies, or a combination of those. Although not all juices are high in sugar and calories, most fruit juices are. Drinking fresh fruit juice can contribute to excess calorie consumption, which may cause weight gain. Stick to non-starchy veggies like kale instead.
Sweeteners
While many people cut sugar from their diet, they neglect to think about alternative sweeteners marketed as ‘healthy.’ Agave, coconut sugar, and date sugar are just a few of those available. Even natural sugars are not processed as white sugar and may contribute to weight gain. Agave is higher in calories than table sugar and high in fructose. This sugar may contribute to insulin resistance and fat accumulation. Any type of added sugar may cause weight gain, people need to limit total consumption of sugar.
Low-Calorie Cereal
While breakfast foods may be low in calories, they may have added sugars. Many low-calorie cereals lack protein and healthy fats that keep you satisfied. Breakfast foods like eggs and toast provide fullness and lead to fewer calories consumed than breakfast cereal. When trying to lose weight, you might reach for low-calorie cereals to start your day.
Dried Fruit
Dried fruit is packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It can be overeaten easily. A serving of dried fruit holds more sugar and calories than fresh fruit. Snacking on it may lead to overconsumption and getting too much sugar in the diet.
Diet Foods
Diet cookies, fat-free chips, and other items may be unhealthy in the long term. Many diet foods contain preservatives, unhealthy fats, and artificial sweeteners that harm the body. Replace these foods with nutrient-dense, filling options, instead.
Flavored Coffee
Caffeine is a mild appetite suppressant but many people don’t realize lattes, frappes, and cappuccinos have sugar and calories. Starbucks drinks like a Venti, the biggest size, with skimmed milk, may have 280 calories and 50 grams of sugar. Sugary coffees can sabotage even the best weight loss efforts.
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