Dieting can be tricky. When the goal is to lose weight, what may work for one person may not work for someone else. But one thing is sure, a healthy diet is an essential factor for weight loss. Many foods are packed with metabolism-boosting energy, and others have the protein needed for muscle growth. Some contain nutrients that help the body to function at its best. But it is essential to understand that, when it comes to dieting, it is possible to consume too much of a good thing. Healthy foods eaten in excess can interfere with weight loss goals. Here are some incredibly healthy food items, but should be consumed in small portions.
Healthy Foods to Watch Out For
- Avocado. Avocado has been a long time superfood and is continuously a part of many food trends in America. Guacamole, avocado toast, and now even avocado cheese are all delicious in their ways. This creamy textured fruit is an excellent source of nearly 20 essential nutrients, including vitamins C, E, K, and B6. When eaten the right way, they can even fight against heart disease, diabetes, and even obesity. Due to their fiber content, they are also great for digestion. However, avocados are very high in fat. The good thing is that these are healthy fats that keep someone full and helps prevent overeating. People trying to lose weight should be careful, though, because one avocado can contain more than 350 calories.
- Nuts. Nuts like almonds are very nutrient-rich and have heart-healthy fatty acids which reduce the risk of heart disease. They are also a great source of protein and calcium. One serving of nuts like almonds can also aid in lowering blood pressure. But…they also have a large number of calories. One small, quarter-cup serving of almonds is over 130 calories. While one serving may be harmless, it is easy to overdo it with these delicious snacks. Be sure to portion out nuts by the proper serving to prevent overeating.
- Energy bars. Just about the only good thing in a protein bar is protein. While they do bring plenty of protein to the table for one serving, these snacks may have lots added sugars, like chocolate and honey. The calories and fat from protein bars make dieting more difficult because they require more exercise to burn off. As a shopper, be very cautious and always read the nutrition labels before consuming protein bars. While there are brands that focus on minimizing fat and calories, other brands can be misleading. For a quick and easy protein boost that won’t pack on the calories, consider canned fish instead.
- Coffee drinks. Coffee lovers would like to believe that there is no harm in a latte or a cappuccino. While this may be true, these drinks are not helpful for someone trying to lose weight. The milk, cream, and sugar content in some of these drinks can wreak havoc on dieting. Instead, stick with a black coffee or a soy substitute.
- Veggie patties. With the recent introduction of the Impossible Burger and Beyond Meat, people are jumping on the bandwagon thinking they are getting a much healthier and more eco-friendly alternative to beef hamburgers. While these may be more humane options, they do not necessarily provide for a healthier alternative. These patties are usually higher in saturated fats and contain less protein. Moreover, toppings such as cheese and mayo add on more fat and calories. Always look at the nutrition labels when choosing the most suitable veggie burger, and try to steer clear from unhealthy toppings.
Calorie and Fat Content
We know that the right diet is critical in shedding pounds. While the foods listed above are not necessarily bad for a diet, always keep portions in mind. Some believe that if more nutrient-rich foods are consumed, the faster they will get results. Eating too much – even if it’s healthy food – doesn’t equal to weight loss, unless there is enough regular exercise to create a significant calorie deficit. Some believe that, since these foods are proportionally lower in fat and calories, there is no harm in eating more of them. So, a person could still be consuming the same amount of fat and calories as when they weren’t dieting.
Portion Control is Key
The best way to lose weight, even when eating healthy, is with careful portion control. The US Recommended Daily Allowance (USRDA) suggests portions of nutrients, calories, protein and other variables to ensure good nutrition, without excess caloric intake.The key to weight loss is a well-balanced diet, and reasonable moderation.
If you are confused about what to eat and how much, book a Consultation with our Nutritionist and learn about our new Medically Supervised Weight Loss Program. We can help you lose weight using common sense and heathy food!
We have recently moved to Denton. The Bariatric Experts is now located in the Medical City Denton Professional Office Building, Suite 203, 3537 South Interstate 35E, Denton, TX 76210. Call for an appointment today at 940-577-2090.
