Nutritionist warns about foods that seem like good options for losing weight, but actually contribute to weight gain
When we plan a diet to lose weight, it is best to increase the amount of healthy foods on the menu. However, some options are deceiving and, although it seems otherwise, they contain high calories that can completely hinder your goals. The warning comes from nutritionist Dr. Ana Luisa Vilela, a weight loss specialist. She lists the 10 bad guys on the scale, which deceive many people.
1 – Oatmeal porridge
Oatmeal porridge has become a favorite in diets because it is rich in fiber and ensures satiety, making it easier to control appetite, but the childish taste that many people attribute to the dish can make the quantity uncontrollable. The advice is to replace it with natural yogurt.
2 – Sweet potato puree
Although sweet potatoes have a low glycemic index, they can contribute to weight gain. “A good way to further reduce this index is to switch to pumpkin, which is thinner,” explains the expert.
3 – Orange or grape juice
It is not allowed in the diet because it is natural fruit juice. The doctor reveals that options such as lemon or passion fruit have much fewer calories than orange or grapes.
4 – Avocado, mango or grapes
“Preference should be for pears, apples or strawberries, which have a much lower glycemic index,” warns the specialist.
5 – Whole grain rice and pasta
Again, just because they’re whole foods doesn’t mean they’re the best choice for your menu. “You can swap them out for cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or peach hearts of palm—much more nutritious and healthy options. They’re also lower in calories,” the nutritionist explains.
6 – Acai
Although açaí is rich in fiber and antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory effects, it is quite caloric. Especially when added to syrup, powdered milk, granola and others. Therefore, frozen fruit blended in a blender can replace it”, advises the doctor.
7 – Honey or brown sugar
A tablespoon of honey has, on average, 61 calories. Cane sugar is a source of iron and calcium, but it is also quite caloric (73 calories in a tablespoon) and, therefore, should not be consumed in excess. Natural sweeteners based on xylitol or stevia can replace both foods, the expert emphasizes.
8 – Coconut oil or olive oil
Although they are considered good fats, the doctor reminds that the quantities of coconut oil and olive oil should not be exaggerated. “A small drizzle is enough to dress, for example, a plate full of salad,” he says.
9 – Chocolate 70% cocoa
Luisa says that chocolate can be swapped for carob, also known as Pão-de-João. This is because, while cocoa contains up to 23% fat, carob contains only 0.7%, which makes this plant a good option for those who are losing weight, the doctor points out.
10 – Diet drinks and juices
Although diet drinks, these are not a good option to continue your diet. Therefore, when possible, they should be replaced with lemon water or flavored water. “A soda in this version may also have fewer calories, but it has artificial ingredients, flavorings and sodium and no nutritional benefit. Therefore, it should not be abused,” he concludes.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
