5 Things you should know about low fat foods

 

It’s always interesting to me when I go shopping to the local supermarket. I always seem to  bump into a client or a former client. It always follows a set sequence of steps. Firstly it’s the courteous “ hello! How you doing?” then the update on recent events and holidays and work politics. Then there is the quick glance down into my basket to asses what an 'Exercise coach' eats, this is then followed by the 2 minute explanation and justification from them as to what is in their trolley or basket.  Sometimes this leads to an awkward silence as they wait for me to comment- almost tell them off for making such poor choices. I never comment.

 

Now you may ask why I choose not to comment or offer advice, but experience has told me that a supermarket is the last place to be telling anyone about food or how to purchase the right food. That would be like taking a child to a sweet shop or ice-cream parlor letting them look at the range of sweets or ice-cream and then saying  "sorry son, you can’t have anything to eat".  There simply is no point. They are not going to appreciate it and it not their fault.

 

Being in the know about foods and understanding the right foods to purchase and eat to fuel your body is never going to be done in a 10 min talk in the coffee aisle!

Learning about food is a process, something that is a achieved over years. Reading and more importantly trying and sticking with what works for you is the only way in my opinion to find out how you and your family can eat healthiest. I will continue to do my best to share with you what I know to be better food options and choices for you.

 

There are something’s you should be aware of when you do go shopping. One of those is the term “Low fat”. The term’ low fat’ has helped the food industry generate billions of additional revenue over the last 30 years. This term ’Low fat’ taps into the shoppers desire for food that appears healthier than normal food. That is often the very opposite. Don’t purchase foods that are labeled ‘low fat’ or at the very least use these food very sparingly. Hers’ why…

 

 

 5 things you should know about low fat foods and diets...

 

1. They are full of sugar.

Although we think of sugar as the stuff we might put in tea, that is not the only place you’ll find sugar. Many foods, such as white and brown bread, pasta, rice, and Yoghurts are made up of sugars, Some recent research found the same sugar content in one slice of white bread was the same in a mars bar! These foods, like sugar, can cause blood sugar swings and cravings due to spikes in blood insulin, and if you eat too many your body converts the excess into fat for storage. Most low fat products/ produce are high in sugar so do your best to avoid these.

 2. They contain synthetic ingredients

Many ‘low fat‘ and ‘low sugar’ foods contain synthetic sweeteners such as sucralose, saccharin and aspartame.  These sweeteners are simply bad for you. As they're sweet, they don't help to curb your sweet tooth and send confusing messages to your brain, which can lead to overeating. There is lots of research supporting the theory that these sweeteners, consumed over time will increase your risk of a stroke.

 

 

 

3. You’ll start overeating                                                                                                                            

If you're always choosing low-fat or fat-free foods when you shop, you could be short changing your weight-loss efforts. Many of these processed foods contain added sugars to enhance taste; often they're similar in calories to the original full-fat product. Research has shown that people tend to believe these foods are "freebies" and will even overeat them, thinking they're healthy or low in calories when they're anything but.

4.They are more expensive.

I’ve not quite figured this one out as yet, as it appears to be more cost effective to eat unhealthily. Most product you find the ‘non fresh’ produce section of the supermarket, will have two varieties, the ‘standard’ and the ‘fat free’ or reduced fat’ version. In most instances it will always cost you more to purchase the ‘ fat free’ version or the ‘lite’. my theory is that because it cost more to produce (foods that has been highly processed will cost more). They pass the cost onto the end user, you and me. My advice is to stay away from any so call health options like reduced fat or fat free. You may only be saving 30 or 40pence. But like Tesco’s says ‘every little helps!’

5.They don’t taste as good.

Why do you like certain foods? Simple you like the taste. Why do you eat chocolate or drink wine? You like the taste of it. Food manufactures know this all too well. You and I will not buy an item if we don’t like the taste of it. Taste is subjective however, some people like red wine some people like white wine, some people like dark chocolate magnums others like the original magnums.

 

 

 

Foods that have good fats in them do offer health benefits and do taste better. Fat helps carry flavour in our foods and give them a certain texture. This helps us feel full and satisfied, which means you can get by longer on a meal or snack that provides fat without feeling the need to eat again soon. When that fat is missing, your appetite may get the best of you. As I’ve always encourage you to do, try eat foods that are as close to nature as was intended. That way you will be eating your healthiest best.

 

 

Committed to your health

Mike

 

 

P.s.

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