by Eating right and still not losing weight?
Registered dietitian and nutritionist Ilana Muhlstein says the reason may be a gap between what we perceive as a healthy diet and one that supports weight loss.
Muhlstein Fox News Digital said this week“There is definitely a big difference between healthy and unhealthy for weight loss. I see so many people struggling with this.”
She notes that certain foods that may tick the nutrition boxes can cause weight gain, “which is not healthy for your whole body, especially if you’re trying to lose weight.”
Muhlstein shares her list of six “healthy” items to cut out or cut back on if you’re trying to lose weight — granola, nut butters, sourdough bread, avocado, pesto and chia seed pudding.
Granola
Muhlstein calls out granola as the caloric equivalent of a “crushed cookie,” reporting that one cup of the crunchy stuff can contain up to 600 calories.
She explains that although the oats in granola look healthy, they are “usually tossed with nut butters, oils, maple syrup, honey, melted chocolate chips and coconut shavings.”
In fact, a nutrient profiling system from Tufts University once rated ice cream as healthier than granola.
Courtney Smith, a registered dietitian, diabetes specialist and founder of Keys to Nutrition, previously told the Post that granola is a “health halo,” meaning it’s marketed as healthy but may actually do more harm than good.
She says, “Granola can be a healthy cereal option, but it has a lot of added sugar, which is used to make the clumps.”
Smith recommends eating calorie-dense granola as a topping rather than by the bowl.
Nut butter
Although whole nuts contain protein, Muhlstein says nut butter is not a “source of protein.”
She advises dieters to add these butters to dressings, smoothies and stir-fries to add flavor and deliver a dose of healthy fats but not as a main meal, “If you want to eat peanut butter for protein and you want. and you have a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, you have a lot of calories, a lot of carbs … and very little protein overall.”
Peanut butter has historically been a bit polarizing. Some experts say that there are healthy fats that can support weight loss, while others claim the circulation does unwittingly contribute to weight gain.
If you’re dedicated to dipping, Smith tells The Post that full-fat versions of nut butters are better for the body than your diet or reduced diet.
Sourdough bread
Sourdough bread, the carbohydrate star of COVID greens, has lost some of its post-pandemic luster.
Muhlstein notes that while sourdough is fermented and has a lower glycemic index than other breads, it “still has calories” and “still doesn’t have cauliflower.”
She points to clients who bake a homemade loaf every week and eat every slice, “It’s not really working for their weight loss. But the last thing, they think, is the problem because it’s been passed off as a healthy food.”
Avocado
Avocados are a bonafide superfood. Chock full of healthy fats and fiber, an avo a day has been linked to better sleep and improved cardiovascular function. However, Muhlstein says eating the good green stuff can lead to weight gain.
“Most women only need one avocado’s worth of fat a day,” Muhlstein told Fox News Digital.
She emphasizes that moderation is key when it comes to consumption, “I usually recommend about a quarter to a third of an avocado at a time.”
Pesto
According to Muhlstein, there’s a reason zookeepers recently named an overweight baby penguin Pesto. The basil-based sauce and spread are traditionally made with high-fat ingredients such as olive oil, Parmesan cheese and pine nuts.
She says, “When you dip that much into your bread, and it becomes excessive, it’s a very high-calorie condiment.”
For a healthier version at home, Muhlstein ups the basil content and swaps out the cheese and nuts for a mix of lemon juice, Greek yogurt and nutritional yeast.
“I know some chefs hear that, but if you really want to get the flavor, there are ways to make pesto leaner,” she explained.
Chia seed pudding
Known for their anti-inflammatory and digestive-supporting properties, chia seeds are high in soluble fiber and omega-3 fatty acids and are considered the holy grail of health nuts.
However, Muhlstein notes that popular chia seed pudding preparations often include sweeteners like honey, maple syrup and coconut milk, making the treat high in calories, low in protein and more of dessert is a healthy choice for a main course.
“Overall, it’s not the least option if you’re trying to shed pounds on the scale and maintain a leaner frame,” she told Fox News Digital.
