Contrary to what many people think, losing weight is actually a pretty straightforward process. All you need to do is follow a couple of simple rules and first and foremost – listen to your body! But as we all know, it’s human nature to overcomplicate the simplest of things. That’s why we have all the ‘wonder diets’, the market overflowing with ‘fit’ products, and the thousands of often contradictory tips and tricks for how to lose weight quickly and effectively.

One of the biggest traps is so-called ‘healthy’ foods that are actually far from it. You may think you’re eating healthy and staying on track with your diet, but the truth is you may have been fooled by the food industry into spending money on things that don’t really serve this goal. What are some of the products that are commonly considered ‘fit,’ ‘wholesome’ and ‘healthy’ but in reality aren’t any of those things?

Low-fat products

Steer clear of foods that are labeled ‘low-fat.’ We’ve been all led to believe that fat is the biggest contributor to America’s status as having the highest percentage of overweight or obese citizens. It may sound logical – fat makes you fat – but it’s actually one of the biggest misconceptions that dietitians all over the country are trying to fight.

Healthy fat found in foods such as olives, avocados, coconuts, fish, nuts, etc., is really good for you for so many reasons. It can protect you from developing heart disease, lower your cholesterol levels, help absorb vitamins A,D,E, and K, aid weight loss, and so much more! The real toxic substance that we should all avoid is artificial sugar. It is the cause of all diet-related diseases, which is exactly why our Spring Hill Dietitian advises you to stay away from low-fat products.

The way they are made is by taking out the fat and replacing it with artificial sugar to keep the flavor of the product. Unfortunately, it means the product is not only stripped of any nutritional value, but it is then filled with unhealthy additives instead. Whereas fatty foods keep you full and satisfied, sugary foods spike your insulin and make you crave more sugar. To sum it up, low-fat products will not only not help you lose any weight, but can easily do the exact opposite.

Store-bought granola

Granola, a mix of oats, nuts, seeds, and fruit, can be a great way to enrich your diet, but not the store-bought kind. Our Spring Hill Dietitian is always clear about this: A diet that is completely sugar-free is unmaintainable in the long run. Our bodies need sugar to function, so sooner or later your body will ensure it gets it, one way or another.

But sugar can come in all shapes and forms, whether it is chocolate, donuts and fizzy drinks, or fruit, honey, and other natural products. Any sugar that is artificially added – meaning it’s not an original component of the product you consume but was added during the production process as a flavor enhancer or a conservative – is bad for both your health and body shape.

That’s exactly why store-bought granola will bring more harm than benefit. If you look at the labels of most of the granola you can buy in the store, they are filled with sugar. And beware – the food industry has its way of ‘hiding’ sugar on the list of the ingredients. There are over 60 different names to legally replace the word ‘sugar’: Sucrose and high-fructose corn syrup, barley malt, dextrose, maltose, rice syrup, and many others are all the same thing nutritionally – added sugar.

You’re better off making your own granola at home. It’s very quick, easy, AND cheap. One batch of homemade granola will lasts you a couple of weeks. It’s a great addition to your morning smoothie bowl or as an afternoon snack.

Gluten-free baked goods

You did not see that one coming, did you? Nowadays, we hear so much about the harmful effects of gluten on your body. But is gluten really as evil as they make it out to be? The truth is, there isn’t enough data to be able to say that gluten is bad for you – unless of course you suffer from gluten-intolerance or celiac disease.

But the way gluten is portrayed in media and the number of gluten-free foods in stores may suggest that the number of gluten-intolerant people if very significant; in fact, it’s about 6-7%.

Why do we advise against gluten-free baked goods? They may seem like a healthier option, but they are just as sugar-filled (if not more!) as their gluten equivalents, and the gluten-free flour that is used to make them (rice, corn, etc.) can often be more caloric and contain more carbohydrates than plain ol’ wheat flour. If you haven’t been diagnosed with gluten intolerance, there’s no need to stay away from it.

Weight Loss in Hernando County – About Batista Weight Loss

Everyone is unique. This means that not all weight loss goals are the same and not all techniques work universally. Our Spring Hill Dietitian will work with you on a one-to-one basis to create a customized weight loss plan and treatment schedule specific to your individual needs. Depending on your exact circumstances, your treatment plan may include one or more of the following:

• Weight Loss Plans without Appetite Suppressants
• Dietary Programs for Medical Conditions
• Vitamins & Supplements
• Diet Management
• Ultra Slim Shot Injections

For more information, visit our website or call us to schedule an appointment. We look forward to seeing you!