I’m not a big potato chip eater but for those who are, you might think that going the low-calorie way is better. After all, you get to enjoy the salty crunch of a chip yet you aren’t taking in as many calories.
Well according to a new study published by the American Psychological Association (I am still trying to figure that one out…what do they have to do with this?), low-calorie chips could actually be contributing to weight gain.
That’s because these low-calorie chips contain fat substitutes. It is believed that these can confuse the body’s regulation of food intake, which can then lead to an insufficient use of calories…therefore, adding on the weight.
The study was done on rats, mind you. However it does raise the question as to how much better some foods are that have labels of “low-calorie” or “low-fat.” There have also been studies done in the past that indicate using artificial sweeteners and saccharin could also contribute to weight gain.
This can be a little discouraging when you think you are eating all the right stuff, only to find that it’s actually not helping you lose weight at all. So what is the answer?
Pure and simple it is to stick to a naturally low-fat diet, nothing artificial and no substitutes. It is really the only sure way to know that you are getting what you are told you are getting.
Of course this means lots of fruits and vegetables. But other types of naturally low-fat foods include some grains, whole wheat, oats, rice and pasta. Processed foods just don’t cut it and I am learning how true that is.
While I have developed a regular workout routine that I stick to most of the time, I know that I am still battling the draw to those processed foods. I have been able to lose some weight but I have reached a plateau that I know I won’t cross unless I overcome this struggle with food.
Low-calorie? It may not always mean what you think.
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