Hidden calories in fat-free, all natural foods
Last Updated Aug 2007
Last Updated: 2007-03-06 15:20:34 -0400 (Reuters Health)
NEW YORK, March 6 (Reuters Life!) - Although foods are labeled fat-free, low-
cholesterol and all natural, they may still be loaded with calories that could
sabotage anyone's plans to shed excess weight, a leading dietician said on Tuesday.
So-called healthy foods like granola, cereals and breads may contain hidden sugars,
high amounts of salt and fat so it is best to read the labels to know exactly what
is in them.
"These are the foods we naturally look to as we try to lose extra pounds; however,
they are the ones that we need to be careful about," said Dee Rollins of Baylor
Regional Medical Center in Grapvine, Texas.
Granola bars may be considered a nutritious snack, but Rollins said they contain
300 calories and 10 grams of fat. Bran cereals can harbour hidden amounts of sugar
and salt.
Rollins warned that meats can also be deceptive. Turkey may not be a dieter's
friend because a quick glance at the label could show it contains more fat than a
pound of ground beef.
And multi-grain breads do not always live up to their healthy name.
But she said the ultimate diet deception is "low-fat" because when fat is removed
from a product, it is usually replaced with sugar.
"There are probably more calories in a low-fat or low-carbohydrate product than in
a regular product," according to Rollins.
She said people trying to shed excess weight should also be aware that 100 percent
fruit juices are still high in calories, and all-natural potato chips are full of
fat and sodium.
When reading labels on products, she advised people to check for sodium, fat and
the total number of calories and to look out for added salt, sugar and corn syrup.
Dr. Sears Comment
The food companies know all the ways to play the game to have you eat more than you
should. Otherwise they wouldn't stay in business. It's all about satiety, which
is controlled by hormones that you can orchestrate with the Zone Diet.