Nutritionist warns about foods that seem like good options for weight loss, but actually contribute to weight gain
When designing a diet to lose weight, the best thing to do is to increase the amount of healthy foods on the menu. However, some options are deceiving and, even if it seems otherwise, contain high calories that can completely hinder your goals. The warning comes from nutritionist Dr. Ana Luisa Vilela, a weight loss specialist. List 10 bad guys on the scale, who fool a lot of people.
1 – Oat porridge
Oat 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. Doctor reveals that options like lemon or passion fruit have much fewer calories than orange or grapes.
4 – Avocado, mango or grapes
“The preference should be for pears, apples or strawberries, which have a much lower glycemic index,” warns the specialist.
5 – Rice and wholemeal pasta
Again, just because they are whole foods doesn’t mean they are the best choice for your menu. “They can be replaced with cauliflower rice, courgette tagliatelle or hearts of palm and peach: much more nutritious and healthy options. They also have fewer calories”, explains the nutritionist.
6 – Acai
Although açaí is rich in fiber and antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory effects, it is quite caloric. Especially when added to syrup, milk powder, granola and others. Therefore, frozen fruit blended in a blender can replace it,” advises the doctor.
7 – Honey or brown sugar
One tablespoon of honey has, on average, 61 calories. Brown sugar is a source of iron and calcium, but it is also quite caloric (73 calories in a spoonful) and, therefore, should not be consumed in excess. Natural sweeteners based on xylitol or stevia can replace both foods, the expert points out.
8 – Coconut oil or olive oil
Although they are considered good fats, the doctor reminds you that the quantities of coconut oil and olive oil should not be exaggerated. “A little drizzle is enough to drizzle, for example, a full plate of salad,” he says.
9 – Chocolate 70% cocoa
Luisa says that chocolate can be exchanged for carobs, 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 – Dietary drinks and juices
Although dietary, these drinks are not a good option for continuing your diet. Therefore, when possible, they should be replaced with lemon water or flavored water. “A soft drink in this version may have fewer calories, but it has artificial ingredients, flavors and sodium and no nutritional benefits. 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.
