No single food will inherently make you fat, and no single food will inherently make you slim down.
You could eat 100% “clean” and still gain weight if your calories are too high.
You could eat 100% “crap” and lose weight if your calories are under your maintenance. (You would probably feel like crap too though)
Unfortunately, many foods that are very healthy – meaning containing good nutrients – are also assumed to be fair game when it comes to eating them. However, the calories can add up quickly with some of these foods, and this can blunt your weight loss progress.
1) Almonds – 2 ounces – 340 calories
While high in heart healthy fats, almonds are still high in calories – because fat is 9 cals per gram. Don’t avoid, but just be aware of how easy it is to eat over your goals.
2) Avocado – 1 half – 140 calories
Again, very high in heart healthy monounsaturated fats – but still calorically dense – so be aware of portions.
3) Protein Shake with Milk, and Fruit – Calories Vary
This is a very common area that I see people over consuming calories. While smoothies can be a great way to get a quick meal in, you must remember that the calories can still add up.
One scoop of whey protein in water is usually around 120 calories – and pure protein.
When you get into adding milk, fruit, and even peanut butter – you could be talking upwards of 800-1000 calories.
4) Gluten Free, Organic, Sugar Free, Fat Free, etc.
Just because foods are labeled as any of the previously mentioned, it doesn’t automatically make them healthy when it comes to calorie levels. Often times, the organic versions of processed foods especially can be HIGHER in calories than the non organic version.
5) Frozen Yogurt – 1.5 cups – 360 calories
While FroYo is much lower in calories than full fat, and full delicious ice cream – it doesn’t make it something you load up on if you are still trying to watch your calories.
So what might a day of eating just these foods look like?
1422 calories – from just those 5 foods. This would be nothing for a 200 pound guy like myself – BUT for a smaller framed woman, this could equal your total daily intake alone!
So what is the moral of the story?
Awareness is key, knowledge is power, and nothing is magically slimming nor fattening – it all comes down to calories.
Like what you read? Want to get up to date blog posts sent directly to your email? Sign up below!
[blog_subscription_form]
Stay healthy my friends,