16 Jun 7 Foods That Are Secretly Hurting Fat Loss
While there may be no such thing as the perfect diet, there are key foods that research has shown will hinder your weight loss goals for various reasons. One thing they all have in common, however, is that they are labeled or disguised as “healthy”, and we trust that they will help us achieve our weight loss and fitness goals instead of making the journey even more difficult. Here are a few foods that you may want to limit or even rethink incorporating into your healthy diet at all so you can achieve your transformation goals quickly and easily!
1- Protein Bars – Protein bars are marketed towards the health and fitness community, claiming to help fuel us with healthy nutrients and protein. Instead, most protein bars are packed with fat, sugar, calories, preservatives, and are highly processed. Instead, plan your meals ahead of time and pack a healthier, less caloric source of protein along with you. You can also try an EPIC bar, found in Whole Foods, which is made from real meal, fruits and vegetables.
2- Gluten-Free Prepackaged Foods – When you have a gluten intolerance, you have to switch things up to avoid consuming gluten, which means no wheat, barley or rye. That said, although a gluten-free lifestyle can prompt a healthier lifestyle for those with an intolerance, it can also push towards the mindset of it being healthier to eat prepackaged gluten free products. These products can be even more caloric than their counterparts that actually contain gluten. To make up for the different taste and lack of flour, pre-packaged gluten free items are likely high in fats, sugars, and carbs, as they are made with either rice flour, potato flour or cornstarch. Instead of consuming prepackaged foods in order to comply with your gluten free diet, try eating as close to the earth as possible by consuming lots of fruits, veggies and wholesome foods.
3- Nuts – Nuts are packed with omega-3’s, proteins and vitamins, but they are very high in calories. In fact, one ounce of nuts contains 135 calories! So while nuts may be a healthy addition to your diet, consume them in serious moderation, even weighing or counting them out so you can stay within the parameters of your diet!
4- Granola – Granola has always been looked at as a healthy food, but this reputation is unfortunately a false one. Most granola is extremely high in both fat and sugar. Mix in some sliced almonds and you have yourself a calorie bomb. Eating granola will leave you feeling hungry for more, and craving something more substantial.
5- Yogurt – Yogurt, though high in calcium, may also be very high in fat, sugars and calories. 8 ounces of low fat fruit yogurt contains 225 calories, 3 grams of fat and 42 grams of sugar. Instead of reaching for a fruit-flavored yogurt, try looking towards a plain greek style yogurt that is packed with protein and add your own fruit topping.
6- Whole Wheat Bread- Whole wheat bread has been labeled as the healthy choice for years, however in reality, it is just as processed as white bread. Whole wheat bread is packed full of carbs, refined sugars and salt, and wheat fields are sprayed with pesticides like Round-Up after being cut to dry, after which they scoop it up and grind it into flour. The remaining pesticides on the wheat can lead to issues in gastrointestinal tract, and even thought to be contributing to many of the autoimmune diseases that are prevalent in todays society.
7- Milk – Just one cup of milk in your morning latte or cereal contains 150 calories and 8 grams of fat. It can cause inflammation and malabsorption in your small intestine, which can lead to other ailments, as most of your immune system is found within your digestive system. Instead, try using almond milk or coconut milk as an alternative. Avoid using soy milk as an alternative, due to it’s estrogenic qualities that can cause an imbalance in your hormones.