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Q:

Are there any foods with surprisingly high calories, and how can I make sure I am avoiding them in my diet?

Hi everyone! I recently started trying to lose weight and am trying to be very mindful of my calorie intake. However, I know that there are some foods out there that are deceptively high in calories. I want to make sure I am avoiding these foods in my diet so that I can stay on track with my weight loss goals. Does anyone know of any foods that have surprisingly high calorie counts that I might not be aware of? And what tips do you have for making sure I am avoiding these calorie bombs in my meals and snacks? Thank you in advance for your help!

All Replies

joel76

Hello, everyone! One food that I discovered that has surprisingly high calories is trail mix. While it can be a healthy snack option, it is often packed with added sugars, oils, and high-calorie nuts and seeds. Even small portions of trail mix can easily add up to hundreds of calories.

To avoid the calorie spike from trail mix, I recommend making your own version at home. You can choose your favorite nuts and seeds, add some dried fruits, and mix in a small amount of dark chocolate or unsweetened coconut flakes for a healthy and flavorful snack. This way, you have control over the ingredients and portion sizes.

Another high-calorie food that I have come across is restaurant salads. While salads can be a healthy option, many restaurants add a lot of high-calorie toppings like fried chicken, cheese, and creamy dressings. To make sure that I'm not consuming excess calories while eating out, I always ask to have toppings and dressings on the side so that I can control the portion sizes.

To avoid high-calorie foods, I also try to plan my meals in advance and make sure that my meals are well-rounded and include a variety of nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. This helps me stay on track and avoid making impulsive choices based on what's convenient or easy.

Overall, being mindful of what we consume and making informed choices about the foods we eat can help us maintain a healthy weight and lead a healthy lifestyle.

ldietrich

Hey everyone! One food item that I recently discovered had a surprisingly high calorie count is fruit juice. Because it's made from fruit, it's easy to assume that it's healthier than other drinks, but many fruit juices contain a lot of added sugars. For example, a glass of orange juice can contain up to 110 calories from natural sugars, which can add up quickly if you're drinking multiple glasses a day.

To avoid the calorie spike from drinking fruit juice, I prefer to eat whole fruits instead. Not only do they contain fiber, which is great for digestion, but they also have fewer calories than a glass of juice. I also love infusing my water with fresh fruits and herbs, such as cucumbers, lemon, and mint, which adds a flavorful twist to the water.

Another high-calorie food that I try to avoid is fast food. It's packed with unhealthy fats and added sugars, which can quickly add up to a lot of calories. Instead, I opt for home-cooked meals and try to meal prep in advance to make sure that I always have healthy, low-calorie meals ready to go. This keeps me from reaching for unhealthy snack options throughout the day.

Overall, being mindful of what you consume, reading the labels before purchasing items, and choosing whole, nutrient-dense foods can help keep your calorie intake in check while still enjoying your favorite foods.

keeling.sandra

Hello everyone! One food item that I have realized has high calories is salad dressings. Nine out of ten times, we think of salads as a healthy meal option, but it's the dressing that adds flavor and calories. Most store-bought salad dressings contain added sugar and oils, which can increase your calorie intake quickly.

To avoid excess calories from salad dressing, I prefer mixing vinegar, olive oil, and a dash of spices at home. This simple homemade dressing is quite flavorful, and since I make it myself, I know what ingredients are used, which ensures that it's healthy.

Another food item that I recently learned contains high calories is sushi. Although sushi can be low in calories, most of its calorie content comes from rice, which makes it a high-calorie meal for weight loss. Instead, I prefer to have sashimi, which is a form of sushi that is made without rice. It is an excellent source of lean protein and low in calories.

To keep a check on high-calorie food intake, it is always advisable to maintain a food journal. It will give you a sense of awareness and accountability for what you're putting in your body. It is always best to choose whole, nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, lean protein and be mindful of the portion sizes.

margret.rodriguez

Hey there! One food that has really surprised me in terms of calorie content is granola. It always seemed like such a healthy option to add to my yogurt or eat as a snack, but it turns out that even small portions can pack a lot of calories. To avoid this, I make my own granola at home using oats, nuts, and just a touch of honey for sweetness. That way, I can control the ingredients and the portion size to make sure I'm not overdoing it on the calories.

Another food that I've found to be surprisingly high in calories is smoothies, especially if you're getting them from a smoothie shop where they often add a lot of sugary syrups and sweeteners. To keep my smoothies healthy, I make them at home using unsweetened almond milk, frozen fruit, and a scoop of protein powder. This way I know exactly what's going into my smoothie and can avoid any excess calories.

When it comes to avoiding high-calorie foods, my tip is to always read the nutrition labels before you buy or eat anything. This will help you identify any foods that are particularly high in calories or that may contain hidden sugars or fats. It can also help you make more informed choices about portion sizes and meal planning.

prince24

Hi there, I have a personal experience I thought I could share with you all. I've found out that peanut butter is one food with surprisingly high calories. While it's a great source of protein, good fats, and other nutrients, peanut butter can be easy to overdo. A 2-tablespoon serving of peanut butter can contain up to 200 calories!

To prevent the calorie intake of peanut butter from adding up too quickly, I put 1 tablespoon of peanut butter into a smoothie or oatmeal to get that nutty flavor without going overboard with calories. Instead of conventional peanut butter, I purchase a brand with no added salt, sugar or oils to keep my calorie intake in check while still enjoying the benefits of peanut butter.

Another food I recently discovered is hummus. While hummus is a popular and tasty snack dip, you'll be surprised to know it's high in calories due to the fat content even though most of the fattiness comes from healthy fats. About two tablespoons of hummus provide approximately 70-100 calories, which is quite much when eaten with snacks.

To control the calorie intake of hummus, I portion it out in a small bowl with cut-up veggies such as carrots or cucumbers to add volume to the snack without the added sugar and calories that come from using crackers or chips to dip. Overall, awareness of calorie content in food and being mindful of portion size is key to managing weight and staying healthy.

xleuschke

Hello everyone! One food that I recently discovered has surprisingly high calories is granola bars. They're often marketed as a healthy snack option, but many brands contain added sugars and oils that can quickly increase the calorie count. Some granola bars can contain up to 300 calories per serving!

To avoid the calorie spike from granola bars, I opt for simple and natural snack options like a small handful of nuts or a piece of fresh fruit. If I really feel the need for a granola bar, I make sure to read the nutrition label and choose a brand that's lower in sugar and calories.

Another high-calorie food that I've encountered is frozen meals, especially those marketed as "low fat" or "diet" options. While they may be lower in fat, they often contain a lot of added sugars and preservatives. Additionally, their portion sizes can be quite small, which may leave you feeling hungry and reaching for additional snacks.

To keep my calorie intake in check while still enjoying the convenience of frozen meals, I always read the nutrition label and choose meal options that are lower in calories and higher in protein and fiber. I also make sure to supplement the meal with a side of fresh veggies or a salad to add volume and nutrients to my diet.

In conclusion, being aware of high-calorie foods and reading the nutrition label is key to maintaining a healthy diet. It's also important to find healthy and satisfying alternatives and to supplement your meals with nutrient-dense foods to stay fuller longer.

shields.jocelyn

Hey there! One food that has surprisingly high calories that I've encountered is nut butter. Nut butters like almond butter and cashew butter are packed with healthy fats, which are good for you, but they can also be quite calorie-dense. Two tablespoons of almond butter can contain up to 200 calories, so it's easy to go overboard if you're not paying attention to portion sizes.

To keep my calories in check while still enjoying nut butter, I measure out 1 tablespoon at a time and use it as a spread for toast or a dip for fruit. This helps me enjoy the flavor without overdoing it on the calories.

Another food that I've found can be high in calories is salad toppings like croutons, cheese, and bacon bits. While they are delicious, they can quickly turn a healthy salad into a calorie bomb. Instead, I opt for lower-calorie toppings like nuts, seeds, and roasted vegetables to add flavor and crunch to my salads.

To avoid high-calorie foods, I try to plan my meals in advance and prepare them at home using whole, unprocessed ingredients as much as possible. This helps me stay aware of what I'm eating and make healthier choices throughout the day.

In conclusion, being aware of high-calorie foods is crucial to maintaining a healthy diet. It's important to read nutrition labels, measure out portion sizes, and make informed choices about the foods we consume.

roy.durgan

Hi there! One food item I've found that surprisingly has high calories is dried fruit. While whole fruit is an excellent source of nutrients and low calorie, dried fruit can be full of added sugars and preservatives. Additionally, because the water has been removed, the portion sizes can be smaller than what you might expect. A small handful of dried fruit can contain a lot of calories!

To keep my calorie intake under control while still enjoying dried fruit, I opt for fresh fruit instead. I also make sure to read the nutrition labels when buying dried fruit to ensure that it does not contain added sugars or preservatives. I'll also measure out my portions to avoid going overboard.

Another high-calorie food that I've come across is certain types of coffee drinks. Flavored lattes, frappuccinos, and even specialty drip coffees can contain a lot of added sugars and fat, which can quickly add up to a lot of calories. Instead, I prefer to drink my coffee black or with a splash of almond milk, which keeps the calorie count low.

In addition to being mindful of what I eat, I also try to incorporate more physical activity into my daily routine. This can include simple things like taking the stairs instead of the elevator or going for a walk during my lunch break. Every little bit helps, and it can also help you burn off any excess calories from high-calorie foods.

In conclusion, while it's important to be mindful of high-calorie foods, it's also important to find a healthy balance that works for you. By making informed choices and staying active, you can still enjoy your favorite foods while maintaining a healthy weight.

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