Dieters like to think they’ve done all the right things.
They stopped drinking soda and no longer eat dessert.
They are ordering salads and trying to cut back on snacks. Yet, they are stuck.
You may be surprised at what foods are holding you back from your goal weight.
Lyssie Lakatos, a registered dietician, said “healthy” meals may be mislabeled because some have more calories than multiple candy bars.
Take a look at these five surprising foods that can ruin a diet.
1. Reduced-fat Peanut Butter
Companies took out the fat in peanut butter to make them appeal more to those dieting.
The problem, according to nutritionists, is that companies put in a lot more other things to make up for the taste lost when they take out the fat.
A better option would be an all-natural peanut butter.
2. Gluten-free Cookies
People have been transfixed on gluten for several years and have been manipulated into associating “gluten-free” with healthy. Lakatos said gluten doesn’t mean those cookies are better for you.
The only ones who benefit from gluten-free cookies are those who have a gluten intolerance.
3. Fat-Free Salad Dressing
Nutritionists said this is another labeling scam as the fat-free versions are a lot lower in calories than their full-fat counterparts.
Plus, people eat more of the fat-free versions because they think it’s good for them.
A better alternative is to use extra-virgin olive oil and make your own vinaigrette.
4. Turkey Bacon
There has been a dietary war on bacon for years and turkey bacon has become known as the go-to alternative.
It is lower in calories and fat than the pork version.
However, the problem with turkey bacon is the sodium. It has up to 180 milligrams of sodium.
5. Prepared Salad Kits
Many people use prepared salad kits as a quick way to prepare a meal.
However, they aren’t as innocent as they look.
Nutritionists say they have tons of calories because of the extras in the kit like full-fat cheese, dressing
pouches and croutons.
Taking a second look at your food can make a real difference at your diet.
You may find you don’t have to eat so many “reduced” items as you just need to select a better alternative.
