My first Publication Mojatu Nottingham Magazine M030

mojatu .com 28 Health & Food 21 FOODS THAT CAN MAKE YOU GAIN WEIGHT By Jillian Kubala With nearly 39% of adults worldwide classified as overweight, the diet industry has never been stronger. Diet foods, such as those labelled “low- fat,” “low-calorie” or “fat-free,” are specifically marketed to people looking to shed excess weight. However, many diet foods may do your waistline more harm than good. Here are 21 diet foods often considered healthy that may, in fact, cause weight gain. 6. Dried Fruit Dried: Dried fruit is packed with fibre, vitamins and minerals. However, since dried fruit is smaller and sweeter than fresh fruit, it can be easily overeaten. Plus, a serving of dried fruit holds more sugar and calories than an equal amount of fresh fruit. Although dried fruit is convenient, fresh fruit is a healthier option. 7. Packaged Diet Foods: While these items may be tempting, most of them are unhealthy. Many diet foods contain preservatives, unhealthy fats and artificial sweeteners that may harm your body. It’s best to replace these packaged, overly processed foods with nutrient-dense, filling options. 1. Smoothies and Protein Shakes While some smoothies and protein shakes are nutritious and exceptionally healthy, others are loaded with calories and sugar. 2. Low-Fat Flavoured Yogurt: Fat is a filling nutrient that amplifies foods’ flavours. When fat is removed to reduce the calorie content of certain products, sugar is usually added to heighten flavour. Many low-fat yogurts are loaded with added sugars, which isn’t good for weight loss or overall health. Interestingly, full-fat dairy may be a better choice than low-fat dairy. 8. Flavoured Coffees: It’s well known that caffeine acts as a mild appetite suppressant, which leads many people to up their coffee intake when trying to drop weight. Although coffee has many health benefits, you should refrain from certain coffee drinks when trying to lose weight. Even though a daily latte may seem harmless, sugary coffees could sabotage your weight loss efforts. 3. Fresh-Pressed Juices: Many people drink fresh juices made of fruits, vegetables or a combination of both to improve health or boost weight loss. Although not all juices are high in sugar and calories, most fruit juices are. Drinking fresh fruit juice regularly can contribute to excess calorie consumption, which may cause you to gain weight. Stick to juices that contain mostly non-starchy veggies like kale and low-sugar fruits like lemon to control your calorie intake. 9. Premade Salads: Salads chock full of fibre-rich vegetables can be very weight-loss-friendly. However, those doused in high-calorie dressing or topped with unhealthy ingredients are not. Premade salads, such as those in grocery stores or fast food restaurants, can be very high in calories, sugar and unhealthy fats. Making your own salad with nutritious ingredients is a better choice. 4. ‘Healthy’ Sweeteners: With many people cutting white sugar from their diet, alternative sweeteners marketed as “healthy” have become increasingly popular. Even though these products are often deemed healthy, going overboard with any sweetener — even natural ones that aren’t as processed as white sugar — can contribute to weight gain. Because any type of added sugar can cause weight gain, it’s important to limit your total consumption of sugar — including alternative sweeteners. 5. Low-Calorie Cereal: When trying to lose weight, you might reach for low-calorie cereals to start your day. While these breakfast foods may be low in calories, they are often loaded with added sugars. Many low-calorie cereals lack the protein and healthy fats that help you feel satisfied. 10. Protein Bars: Many people rely on protein bars for a quick, convenient energy boost. Although some protein bars are healthy and nutritious, others bulge with calories, sugar and artificial ingredients. 11. Diet Soda: Diet soda is often viewed as a healthy beverage because it contains 0 calories. However, research ties diet soda consumption to weight gain — not weight loss. Diet soda has also been found to negatively impact gut bacteria, thereby increasing your risk of diabetes and other metabolic diseases. 12. Granola: Granola is a filling breakfast food beloved by many health-conscious people. However, while granola can contain nutritious ingredients like oats, nuts, seeds and coconut, many are saturated with added sugars. To control

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