Are you eating right and still not losing weight?
Registered dietitian and nutritionist Ilana Muhlstein says this may be because of the difference between what we perceive as a healthy diet and one that supports weight loss.
muhlstein he told Fox News Digital this week“There is definitely a big difference between healthy and healthy for weight loss. I see a lot of people struggling with this.
He notes that some foods that may tick nutritional boxes can cause weight gain, which “is not healthy for your overall body, especially if you have weight to lose.”
Muhlstein shares her list of six “healthy” items you should cut out or reduce if you’re trying to lose weight: granola, nut butters, sourdough bread, avocado, pesto, and chia seed pudding.
granola
Muhlstein calls granola the caloric equivalent of a “crushed cookie” and reports that a single cup of the crunchy stuff can contain up to 600 calories.
While oats in granola may seem like a healthy choice, she explains, “they’re often mixed with nut butters, oils, maple syrup, honey, chocolate chips tossed in, and coconut shavings.”
So, Tufts University’s nutrient profiling system once rated ice cream as healthier than granola.
Courtney Smith, a registered dietitian, diabetes specialist and founder of Keys to Nutrition, previously told The Post that granola has a “health halo,” meaning it’s marketed as healthy but can do more harm than good.
It continues: “Granola may seem like a healthy grain option, but it contains large amounts of added sugar, which is used to form the toppings.”
Smith recommends eating calorie-dense granola as a topping rather than eating it by the bowlful.
hazelnut paste
Although all hazelnuts contain protein, Muhlstein argues that hazelnut butter “is not a source of protein.”
She advises dieters to add this butter to sauces, smoothies, and stir-fries to boost flavor and provide a dose of healthy fats, but to hold off on making them a main course: “If you’re trying to eat peanut butter for protein and eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, it’s too many calories.” , you get a lot of carbohydrates… and very, very little protein overall.”
Peanut butter has historically been a bit polarizing. Some experts say it contains healthy fats that may support weight loss, while others claim it does. spread It unknowingly contributes to weight gain.
If you’re committed to dipping, Smith tells The Post that full-fat versions of nut butters are better for the body than diet or low-fat options.
sourdough bread
Sourdough bread, the carb star of COVID quarantines, has lost some of its post-pandemic luster.
Muhlstein notes that although sourdough is fermented and has a lower glycemic index than other breads, “it still has calories” and “it’s still not cauliflower.”
He points to customers who bake homemade bread every week and eat every slice: “It doesn’t really work for them to lose weight. But that’s the last thing they think is a problem because it’s touted as such a healthy food.”
Avocado
Avocado is a true superfood. Skipping one meal a day full of healthy fats and fiber has been linked to better sleep and improved cardiovascular function. But eating too much of the good green stuff can lead to weight gain, Muhlstein says.
“Most women only need one avocado oil a day,” Muhlstein told Fox News Digital.
He emphasizes that moderation is key when it comes to consumption, “I usually recommend a quarter to a third of an avocado at a time.”
pesto
There’s a reason zookeepers recently named an overweight penguin cub Pesto, according to Muhlstein. Basil-based sauces and spreads are traditionally prepared with high-fat ingredients such as olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and pine nuts.
“When you dip it on your bread and it becomes overpowering, it’s a very high-calorie condiment,” he shares.
For a healthier, at-home version, Muhlstein ups the basil content and replaces the cheese and nuts with a combination of lemon juice, Greek yogurt, and nutritional yeast.
“I know this may sound disrespectful to some chefs, but if you’re really trying to get the flavor, there are ways to make a leaner pesto,” he explained.
Chia seed pudding
Known for their anti-inflammatory and digestive-supporting properties, chia seeds are rich in soluble fiber and omega-3 fatty acids and are considered the holy grail among healthy nuts.
However, Muhlstein notes that the popular preparation of chia seed pudding often contains sweeteners such as honey, maple syrup and coconut milk, making the treat high in calories, low in protein and more of a dessert than a healthy choice for a main course.
“Overall, if you want to lose weight on the scale and have a leaner frame, it’s not the slimmest choice,” he told Fox News Digital.