These seven ‘healthy’ foods may be quietly blocking your progress, experts warn.
Could the seemingly healthy foods you’re eating be harming your weight loss? Many foods touted as healthier might actually derail your fitness efforts instead of encouraging them, which naturally leads to frustration. We asked a nutritionist Sarah Garone, NDTR, CNCthe mistakes people make when it comes to their diet. Here are seven “healthy” foods that might actually derail your weight loss efforts.
Protein bars
Garone says to be aware of the caloric value of protein bars. “Protein bars are often touted as a healthy addition to the diet and it’s true that their high protein content can help you feel full,” she says. “But most protein bars are extremely processed, sometimes containing high amounts of added sugars. They can also be quite high in total calories. If you’re grabbing a protein bar for a snack, take a look at its calorie content. For weight loss, it may be more than you really want at snack time.”
Flavored yogurt
Garone cautions that not all yogurts are equal. “While yogurt is an absolutely healthy food—packed with gut-friendly probiotics and high-quality protein—flavored varieties with lots of added sugars aren’t a great choice for weight loss. In addition to being high in calories, they can spike your blood sugar, causing cravings down the line. This is another food whose nutrition label often debunks its health halo. Look for yogurt with few (or zero) sugars added.”
Trail mix
How healthy is your trail mix? “There’s a big difference between a handful of nuts and a trail mix that’s mostly chocolate chunks and candied fruit,” says Garone. “Choose wisely. While eating plain or lightly sweetened nuts has been linked to weight loss, filling your snack bowl with ultra-sweet trail mix won’t have the same effects.”
Granola
Garone advises watching portion sizes of foods like granola, which are easy to overeat. “Granola is so strongly associated with health benefits that its name is synonymous with all things natural. Its whole grains can add satiating fiber to breakfast or snacks,” she says. “That said, granola can also be a sneaky source of added fats and sugars. Be sure to control portions. One serving is often 1/3 to 1/2 cup, significantly less than a typical 1-cup serving of cereal.”
Smoothies
Your morning smoothie could be a calorie bomb, warns Garone. “Done right, smoothies can be a great way to consume more fruits and vegetables, a worthy goal for all of us. But they can also be a vehicle for high-calorie ingredients that add up quickly,” she explains. “And since drinking doesn’t offer the same satisfaction factor as chewing, you may not find smoothies as filling as solid foods. If you plan to break out the blender, opt for high-calorie blends like nut butters, honey, or coconut milk, focusing instead on fruits and vegetables.”
Fat-free desserts
“Fat-free” doesn’t make a food weight loss-friendly, Garone says. “While fat-free treats like brownies or ice cream may seem like a good idea for weight loss, eliminating fat from foods is not actually a helpful strategy. Often, when food manufacturers remove fat, they simply add sugars, fillers, or artificial ingredients, none of which will benefit your weight management goals. It’s better to eat a normal version of a dessert in a smaller portion.”
Dried fruits
Dried fruits are much easier to eat than regular fruits. “Because the water content of dried fruits has been reduced, they are more caloric than fresh fruits (by weight),” says Garone. “So while dried fruit is nutrient-dense, it’s not the best choice for cutting calories. The water in fresh fruit, on the other hand, can add satiety and help promote smoother digestion. If you’re looking to lose weight, prioritize fresh fruit over dried fruit or simply use dried fruit in small amounts.”
#Healthy #Foods #Weight #Loss #Harder
