Before you reach for that banana, feeling all virtuous and pleased with yourself, think again. It seems that even the healthiest food choices can lead you to overeat (and pack on the pounds).
"While fruits are nutritious, too much of even a healthy food can lead to weight gain," said Loyola University Health System registered dietitian Brooke Schantz. "The key is to remember to control the portion sizes of the foods you consume."
It may not sound like rocket science. Still, Schantz insists that it’s easy to lose sight of the basic weight loss equation -- energy in versus energy out.
"I have had many patients tell me that they don't know why they are not losing weight," Schantz said. "Then they report that they eat fruit all day long. They are almost always shocked when I advise them to watch the quantity of food they eat even if it is healthy."
The only exception to the rule: nonstarchy vegetables, provided these aren’t slathered in calorific sauces, cheeses and butter. Veggies to limit are those high in starch, like peas, corn and potatoes.
"People tend to give themselves the freedom to overeat 'healthy' foods," Schantz said. "While the label might say that a food or beverage is low-fat or fat-free, watch the quantity you consume and refrain from eating an excessive amount. Foods that carry these health claims may be high in sugar and calories."
Are you guilty of bingeing on healthy food?
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