It can be tempting to reach for low-fat, or fat-free products in an effort to make healthier choices but are low-fat-diets-really-healthy? Hear what the Doc has to say on just how healthy these options really are.
Bitter sweet
Many people think “fat” is the most important factor to consider when reading a nutritional label. More important even than the calories. Our Docs are here to tell you that it’s not!
The truth is that foods that claim to be low-fat often carry higher sugar levels and other ingredients to maintain flavour and texture. This means that you’ll likely be consuming a higher amount of carbs and the same amount of calories. Eating more foods that are high in carbs, especially white refined ones, tend to be digested more quickly. Plus, with sugar stimulating your appetite it’s really important to remember that if you’ve opted for the low-fat option, that you keep your portion size in tact!
Greater levels of sugar and refined carbohydrates, if not managed correctly, can in turn lead to an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease and higher cholesterol levels.
So, is low-fat really the healthier option?
Lighter cheese, please?!
As dairy is naturally quite high in saturated fats, milk, yoghurt and cheese are common culprits of the low-fat label. To lower the fat content of these products, sometimes unsaturated fats from vegetables are used. This process increases the level of unhealthy trans-fats, which aren’t great for your heart health and cholesterol levels.
For a healthier option, choose organic, locally produced dairy products or try dairy-free alternatives such as soy or almond milk.
Good fats vs bad fats
What’s all the fuss about fat anyway? Is it really that bad for us? The truth is, there are good fats and bad fats. Meat, dairy and some processed foods contain high levels of saturated fat, which in high doses can lead to an unhealthy level of cholesterol and increased risk of heart disease. On the other hand, the fats found in foods such as avocado, nuts and fish provide essential fatty acids, including omega-3 and are good for your heart health. We need these for healthy blood vessels and proper hormone function. For optimum health, opt for portion-controlled amounts of healthy heart fats.
And, you can thank your lucky stars because, the Doc’s made it even easier by creating perfectly portion-controlled meals that are loaded with goodness just for you! Each meal is loaded with fresh fruits + vegetables which are nature’s nutritional powerhouses and are excellent sources of fibre, antioxidants and phytochemicals. Just some of the brassicas that feature on the Doc’s menu include leafy greens vegetables like, broccoli, kale, baby spinach, and brussels sprouts. Oh, and their ‘bitter’ taste simulates the liver and helps enhance your inner health + wellbeing.
Head to the Doc’s website today to order your choice of healthy-balance-meals, dairy-free-meals, gluten-free-meals, pescatarian-meals, vegetarian-meals, or vegan-meals.
If you’re ready to start the Doc’s 5-Day-Weight-Loss-Meal-Plan for good, get the Doc to portion control your food to you!
#thanksdoc
Image source: DecoArt Blog
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