These 6 ‘healthy’ foods won’t help you lose weight: nutritionist

October 1, 2024

Although some foods are considered healthy and nutritious, they are not necessarily the best for weight loss.

In an interview with FOX News Digital, registered dietitian nutritionist Ilana Muhlstein talked about certain foods that can hinder your health and fitness goals.

“It's clear there's a big difference between healthy weight loss and healthy weight loss,” says the Los Angeles-based expert. “This is something I’ve seen a lot of people struggle with.”

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Even if you're eating healthy foods, you can still gain weight, she noted, “which is not healthy for your body as a whole, especially if you have weight to lose.”

Ilana Muhlstein, registered dietitian, is the author of the weight loss book “You Can Drop It!” She is known as NutritionBabe to her 2 million followers on TikTok. (body)

Here are 6 surprising foods that may not help you lose weight.

1. Granola and oats

Granola is a classic topping for healthy snacks like yogurt and smoothie bowls, but Muhlstein likened it to “crushed cookies.”

“People think it's very healthy, but these oats are usually tossed with nut butter, oil, maple syrup, honey, tossed chocolate chips, and coconut shavings,” she says. Said. “Because it's baked, it's rich and one cup of granola can contain 600 calories.”

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Just one serving of granola can provide up to 200 calories, says Muhlstein.

”[It’s] “When you're talking about keeping your food filling and within a healthy calorie range for weight loss, it's really not worth the money,” she said.

A sprinkle of granola can add up to 200 calories, according to nutritionists. (St. Petersburg)

Muhlstein said oatmeal-based foods, such as overnight oats and oatmeal, are effective for people who exercise, but may not be the best choice for people looking to lose weight.

“It's like with them… they can't burn it right away,” she said. “It's great to eat before training because it allows you to take in carbohydrates and use them efficiently.”

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Muhlstein recommends pairing oat recipes with yogurt or protein powder for a more optimal diet.

2. Nut butter

Even though whole nuts contain protein, nut butters are “not a source of protein,” the nutritionist said.

Nutritionists say nut butters are not a good source of protein. (St. Petersburg)

These can be used to add flavor and healthy fats to recipes such as salad dressings, stir-fries and smoothies, she said.

“If you're trying to eat peanut butter for protein and you're eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, you're going to end up with too many calories, too many carbohydrates, and very little protein overall,” Muhlstein says. pointed out.

3. Chia seeds

Seed-based snacks like chia seed pudding are becoming increasingly popular as healthy breakfast options.

But chia seed pudding uses sweeteners like honey, maple syrup and coconut milk, making it “very high in calories” and low in protein, Muhlstein said.

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Chia seed pudding can be high in calories due to added sugar, experts have warned. (St. Petersburg)

“They are rich in good, healthy fats and may be easier to digest. [with] Omega-3s and fiber,” she said.

“But overall, if you're looking to lose weight on the scale and maintain a toned physique, this isn't the slimmest choice.”

4. Avocado

Avocados are well known for being a healthy fat, but eating too many can hinder your weight loss goals.

Muhlstein says most women only need the fat of about one avocado a day.

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“A salad with half an avocado on top of the dressing, on top of the nuts, and everything else is probably a lot,” she says. “I usually recommend about a quarter to a third of an avocado at a time.”

Woman eating fresh salad, avocado, beans and vegetables.

Most women only need the fat of about one avocado a day, nutritionists advised. (St. Petersburg)

5. Sourdough bread

During the coronavirus pandemic lockdown, many people turned to baking sourdough bread, which skyrocketed in popularity.

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Sourdough has a lower glycemic index because it's fermented and has healthful properties, but “it still has calories,” Muhlstein said.

“It's not cauliflower yet,” she said. “It's really funny how most people treat it like it is.”

Although sourdough bread is touted as a “health food”, it still contains calories, experts say. (Andy Cross/Media News Group/Denver Post via Getty Images)

Muhlstein said some of her customers make a habit of baking sourdough bread every week and eating the whole thing.

“It has no effect on weight loss,” she says. “But they don't think it's a problem because it's touted as a health food.”

6. Plague

Pesto is a delicious condiment to sprinkle on salads, vegetables, and other dishes, but Mulstein cautions that it's usually made with “a lot of olive oil, a lot of Parmesan cheese, and a lot of pine nuts.”

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“If you eat it with bread, in excess, it becomes a very high-calorie condiment,” she says.