Five IMPOSTORS!

Five foods that have an undeserved reputation as virtuous choices – and what you should eat instead;

First Impostor: Baked Potato Chips: Yes they are lower in fat.  But they are still high in calories and low in nutrients.

Smarter Sub: Popcorn, You will get the salt and crunch of chips plus fiber, and around 65% fewer calories per cup.

Second Impostor: Gummy Fruit Snacks:  Although these products may contain some juice, they are usually nothing more than candy infused with vitamins.  They contain high fructose corn syrup, which is linked with obesity.

Smarter Sub: Fresh or Dried Fruit, Both are packed with filling fiber, which you will miss if you opt for gummy snacks.

Third Imposter:  Light Ice Cream:  Light ice cream can have fewer calories than regular. But some light ice creams can lack the rich taste you crave, so you are less satisfied and may be inclined to eat more than one serving.

Smarter Sub: Soy and coconut milk ice creams may save you a few calories, and they have a creamy, satisfying texture.

Fourth Impostor: Diet Soda: In a 2008 study, researchers linked drinking just one diet soda a day with metabolic syndrome – the collection of symptoms including belly fat that puts you at high risk of heart disease.  Researchers aren’t sure if it’s an ingredient in diet soda or the drinkers’ dieting habits that caused the association.

Smarter Sub: Flavored Seltzer Water. It has zero calories and is free of artificial sweeteners but provides fizz and flavor.  Beware of clear sparkling beverages that look like seltzer yet contain artificial sweeteners – they are no better than diet sodas.

Fifth Impostor: 100 – Calorie Snack Packs: You might want to skip these if you are trying to lose weight.  A recent study showed that people may eat more food and calories if the portions are presented in small sizes and packages.

Smarter Sub: A Small Serving of Almonds.  Their healthy monounsaturated fat, fiber, and protein will tide you over until your next meal.

Prevention Magazine January 2009