5 types of fake weight loss foods the more you eat the fatter you get
In order to become slimmer, more beautiful, and healthier, you must have put a lot of effort into your diet. But have you ever wondered if those carefully selected weight-loss foods really help you lose weight? Can they really help you avoid detours on your weight loss journey? Well, you might not believe it, but those foods marketed as 'healthy' might actually be stumbling blocks in your weight loss efforts!
Puffed Cereal
You must have a vivid impression of the breakfasts in American TV shows: a cup of milk or yogurt with crunchy oatmeal or cereal rings. It looks delicious and nutritious, and there's nothing more convenient and quick than this standard breakfast. However, seemingly healthy cereals, after puffing, contain high sugar levels and astonishing calories, while being pitifully low in protein and fiber. They can also easily stimulate insulin secretion, causing your body to enter fat storage mode. Studies have shown that 100g of cereal rings contain up to 38g of sugar.
Despite this, don't be afraid of all cereals. Pure oatmeal is still very good for your body. Soak oatmeal in milk and add a small handful of mixed nuts or dried fruits (according to personal preference), such as walnuts, dried cranberries, raisins, etc. This will keep you full and energetic throughout the morning.
Mixed Smoothies
A cup of fruit and vegetable smoothie after lunch can be satisfying and delightful. You might think you're one step closer to a better version of yourself, but little do you know that what you're drinking might be a hidden 'calorie bomb'! Various fruits, yogurt, nuts... You think you're putting detoxifying and beautifying ingredients into the blender, but you might unknowingly be consuming more calories than a full meal, as the combined calories of these fruits can easily reach 500-600 kcal.
To aid digestion after a meal, why not have a cup of Americano coffee? It helps boost metabolism and keeps you alert.
Energy Bars
If you love exercising, you're definitely familiar with various energy bars, often used as supplements during marathons. During your weight loss period, when you're craving snacks but can't eat freely, energy bars come to the rescue. The words 'whole grain' and 'non-fried' on the packaging are particularly appealing to women. But is it really as good as it seems? Take a closer look at the ingredient list, and you'll find that the fat content in energy bars is not low, typically between 25% and 45%. This means that eating 100g of energy bars (about 2-3 bars) is equivalent to consuming 25g of fat. The 'Chinese Dietary Guidelines' recommend a daily oil intake of 25g per person, which is quite alarming when you think about it.
So what should you eat when you're hungry? For a snack, you can have a small cup of yogurt, which aids digestion and is rich in calcium. Alternatively, choose a truly pure grain bar. When selecting, be sure to carefully read the nutrition label: 100g should have around 350 kcal, less than 5g of fat, less than 3g of sugar, and more than 5g of protein.
Sugar-Free Foods
When you see the words 'sugar-free' on food packaging, do you get super excited, thinking you've finally found the perfect weight-loss food? Do you think avoiding sugar means you're embracing health? Many foods labeled 'sugar-free' may indeed have zero sugar, but they often contain a lot of artificial additives, such as aspartame, acesulfame, and saccharin. These artificial sweeteners can increase your appetite, making you more prone to overeating.
Compared to foods labeled 'sugar-free,' natural foods are better, such as apples or a small piece of dark chocolate. They satisfy your taste buds without adding too many calories.
Whole Grain Beverages
What is your first reaction when you see whole grain beverages? For me, they seem healthier than some so-called fruit juices, and they are convenient and delicious without the need for preparation. But what you're actually drinking is not the plant protein and rich dietary fiber you think, but sugar! Most grain beverages contain less than 1g of dietary fiber per 100g, far lower than the grains themselves. Imagine drinking a 300ml bottle of grain beverage; you get less than 3g of dietary fiber but up to 30g of sugar, far exceeding the daily sugar intake limit of 25g.
If you want to drink whole grain beverages, it's better to grind the grains yourself, or choose pure soy milk or plain yogurt.
Losing weight is not as simple as 'eating less and moving more.' Besides using the right methods, the journey is long and challenging. Remember to keep your eyes open and avoid various weight-loss food traps. While delicious, be mindful of your intake! If you have healthy and delicious fitness meal recipes, feel free to share them with the hashtag #DIY Weight Lossand share them with us in the fitness community!
What do you like to eat during your weight loss period?