5 So-Called ‘Healthy’ Foods That Can Actually Cause Weight Gain

Are you eating healthy and exercising but finding it difficult to lose weight? Believe it or not, it could be the types of food you’re eating. Some seemingly healthy foods are actually anything but — and they could be sabotaging your weight loss efforts.

Here are five so-called healthy foods that can actually cause weight gain, according to our experts at Total Health Solutions Medical Center in Milton, Georgia.

1. Smoothies

If you buy a smoothie at a gym or smoothie place, chances are it’s full of sugar and unnatural ingredients. They may contain high-sugar protein powders, frozen fruit juices, and flavored frozen yogurt.

The only way to have a healthy smoothie is to make one at home. You can use unsweetened milk or plant-based milk, whole foods such as vegetables, and a small amount of fresh fruit to add sweetness.

Even if you make them at home, be careful not to go overboard. If you’re drinking multiple smoothies per day, you’re probably consuming far too much sugar.

2. Meatless burgers

You may think meatless burgers are a healthier option to real meat, but this isn’t necessarily the case. While some use simple plant ingredients, many meatless patties are now made to resemble a real burger. This means all of the ingredients are highly processed.

These burgers may also contain soy or gluten, which can cause inflammation and digestive upset in some people. They also could be high in calories, salt, and saturated fat. If you eat meatless burgers for ethical reasons, be sure to read the labels so you know what’s in them.

3. Trail mix

Unless you’re out hiking for many miles, you probably don’t need to eat trail mix. Yes, it can be healthy if you mix your own nuts, seeds, and a few dried fruits, but even a small serving packs a lot of calories. If you don’t burn off these calories, you gain weight. It’s that simple.

Also, watch out for store-bought trail mixes that contain candy or dried fruit that’s made with added sugars.

4. Salads with high-fat dressing

If you’re eating salads every day but still gaining weight, take a look at your salad dressing. If you’re using store-bought dressing, it’s probably full of unhealthy oils, sugar, salt, food colorings, and maybe even high-fructose corn syrup. Measure the portion size carefully so you know just how many calories you’re adding to your salad.

5. Granola

Many of the granola cereals and granola bars in conventional grocery stores are full of butter, white sugar, salt, vegetable oil, high-fructose corn syrup, molasses, or honey. This type of granola is full of calories and could be causing you to gain weight. 

If you can’t live without granola, read the labels carefully and watch your portion sizes. Or find a recipe you like online and make your own.

It’s eye-opening, isn’t it? The more you know, the better food choices you can make.

The Total Health Solutions Medical Center team provides expert nutritional advice. If you want to improve your overall health or need help losing weight, contact us for a consultation today.