WHILE many foods are marketed as helpful for weight loss,some can actually hinder your efforts, warns a doctor.
So-called “healthy”; foods are seen on diet plans, in blogs, or promoted on social media as smart choices.
But they may actually backfire when it comes to fat loss, says Professor Franklin Joseph, consultant physician and head of DrFrank’s Weight LossClinic.
That’s because these foods could be making you feel hungrier - and not helping you slim down.
“People often assume that if something is marketed as low-fat, sugar-free, or natural, it must be good for ,”; said Professor Joseph.
“But in reality, many of these foods trigger hunger, cravings and overeating.”;
There are six foods in particular Prof Joseph says you should look to avoid - and he also advises what to eat instead.
Sugar-free sweets and gum
While these might save you calories upfront, sugar-free snacks are often packed with artificial sweeteners that can confuse your appetite signals, said Prof Joseph.
He added: “They create a sweet taste without calories, which can increase cravings and make you want to eat more.”;
Fruit smoothies
Smoothies are often seen as a healthy option, but they’re a fast track to hunger for many people.
Prof Joseph explained: “Blending fruit strips away the fibre that slows digestion, meaning you get a and crash - which leaves you reaching for snacks.”;
White carbs labelled as low-fat
Think white toast, rice cakes or low-fat crackers here.
“These are quickly digested, low in fibre and , and do little to keep you full,”; warned Prof Joseph.
“You burn through them quickly and end up hungrier than you were before.”;
Nut butters (in excess)
Nut butters can be healthy in moderation, but they’re calorie-dense and very easy to overeat, said Prof Joseph.
He added: “People assume they’re filling because of the fat content, but without enough fibre or protein alongside, they often leave you wanting more.”;
Granola and protein bars
A lot of so-called healthy snack bars are glorified candy bars with ahealthhalo, in Prof Joseph’s eyes.
He said: “They may contain protein, but they’re often high in sugar and low in real satiety.”;
Rice cakes
Rice cakes are commonly marketed as a low-calorie snack, but they’re basically just with very little nutritional value, said Prof Joseph.
He advised: “They don’t fill you up, so you end up eating several and still feeling hungry.”;
So what should you eat instead?
Focus on high-fibre carbs, lean protein and foods that take longer to digest, said Prof Joseph.
This includes foods like lentils, oats, beans, Greek yoghurt and eggs, which keep you fuller for longer and help support steady fat loss.
He added: “If you’re constantly hungry on your diet, it’s a sign your body isn’t being fuelled properly - and swapping out these six foods can make a big difference.”;
