Have you ever found yourself staring longingly at a piece of fried chicken but then thinking, If I eat this, it’s going straight to my belly and thighs?
Something labeled fat-free or low-fat certainly can’t make you gain weight! That’s what food manufacturers would like you to believe.
Even if it’s labeled “fat-free,” yogurt is a sneaky source of added sugar. A 6-ounce container of chocolate nonfat yogurt contains 25 grams of sugar — more than an entire day’s worth for women.
This breakfast staple, especially in the white or plain form, is just one example of a simple carbohydrate — foods our bodies digest quickly, sending a rush of sugar into our bloodstream. Muffins, cookies, white bread and cereal are other types of simple carbs.
Meat is particularly problematic for putting on pounds because it contains protein and saturated fat, both of which promote weight gain.
Fish like salmon, tuna and shrimp are high in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, low in saturated fat and high in protein. This protein source is generally good for you; that is, until you dredge your fish in flour and fry it in hot oil.