Foods That Keep You Fat – How Many Do You Consume?

By

Roy M. Arnold MD

A recent article published entitled “9 Foods That Are Keeping You Fat” brings to light just how common and widespread consumption of fat-promoting foods is in the USA. Is it any wonder we are quickly becoming one of the fattest nations on the planet?

“9 Foods That Are Keeping You Fat,” by Dana Fullington. Published online at http://www.twincities.com/life/ci_24767598/9-foods-that-are-keeping-you-obese

1. Potato chips

A recent study in the New England Journal of Medicine stated that the food most strongly associated with weight gain is potato chips. Over time, potatoes in general were attributed with causing the most weight gain, though it was potato chips that were the worst. French fries came in a very close second. The Article suggests that if you’re going to eat potato chips or French fries, make them from scratch. If you make them from scratch, you can control ingredients and portion size as well, and you’ll only end up eating them on very special occasions. Better yet, make kale chips instead if you have to have something crunchy, and hold the salt.

2. Diet soda

How could this be? Diet soda is free of calories. Apparently, the artificial sweeteners in diet soda interfere with your body’s normal response to sugar, throwing off your body’s ability to know how many calories you have eaten, resulting in a craving for more caloric sweets. Researchers from the University of Texas Health Science Center also recently presented strong data proving that diet soda makes us fat. They found that the more diet sodas a person drank, the more weight they gained.

3. Foods made with high-fructose corn syrup and corn syrup

Commercials may claim that high-fructose corn syrup is fine in moderation, but remember, marketing is also a part of the “food” industry. The syrup interferes with the body’s metabolism so that a person can’t stop eating. High-fructose corn syrup slows down the secretion of leptin in the body. Leptin is a crucial hormone that tells you that you’re full and to stop eating. That’s why it’s so closely associated with obesity in this country. It’s like an addictive drug.

4. Red and processed meats

The food quality study from The NEJM found that both red and processed meat caused weight gain down the line. Over the course of four years, weight gain was closely linked to both meat varieties and was also inversely related to the amount of vegetables participants ate.

5. Low-fat junk foods

Junk food in itself is a problem, but oftentimes when that processed junk becomes low-fat, it’s even worse, believe it or not. When foods are low-fat, manufacturers have to fill in the taste somewhere, so they add sugar, which is seriously worse than fat! Carbohydrates and sugar are the ingredients to beware of, not fat, if you are looking to lose weight.

6. Diet microwave meals

In the weight-loss game, the beauty of the microwave meal is that it’s portioned out for you, and it is super convenient. But that’s really the extent of the benefits. Instead, make yourself a real meal. It doesn’t have to be complicated, but in the end, whole fresh foods are what keep us thin.

7. Pasta

Lots of people think pasta is healthy — not so. All pasta is made from dough which is processed, no matter what. That makes it a simple carb, one of the most important things to stay away from if you are trying to lean out. Whole grain, not whole wheat versions are healthier and can fall into the heart-healthy grain category.

The biggest problem with pasta is usually the serving size. It is supposed to be 1/4-1/2 cup. This is a very small amount of pasta and NOT nearly enough for most people to feel satisfied with. The only way to be sure is to measure it out!

8. Cereal

Cereal manufacturers would like you to believe that enriching their cereal with a lot of vitamins makes it a good choice. But the bioavailability of all those added nutrients is dubious at best. Most cereals have way too much added sugar and preservatives, and very few are made with intact whole grains. If you are trying to lose weight, you need to eat lean protein, especially in the morning! Eggs, yogurt, cottage cheese, and uncured meats are the choices that will help you get leaner.

9. Booze

The science is simple, according to Shapefit: Pure alcohol contains about 7 calories per gram, which makes it nearly twice as fattening as carbohydrates or protein (both contain about 4 calories per gram), and only just under the caloric value for fat (9 calories per gram).

This means that if you want to lose weight and reduce excess body fat, alcohol is not a good choice. It also contains no nutrients — hence the saying “empty calories,” which means your body is getting nothing from those alcohol calories to work with.

A balanced diet rich in colorful vegetables like spinach, eggplant, carrots, peppers, and low in carbohydrates, relying on protein from fish and poultry is the best for weight loss and for nutrition. Fat doesn’t make you fat – sugars and starches do.

Always consult with your healthcare provider or a dietitian before embarking on a weight loss program. Happy New Year from 21^st Century Healthcare. www.21centuryhc.com