Eating healthy can seem impossible. One minute you’re intermittent fasting, the next you’re planning for a snack every two hours.And while those habits might seem like an effective nutrition strategy, there’s a reason they aren’t always working as well as you expect.“Many people are making well intentioned choices, but they’re missing key pieces of the puzzle,” says Ulysses Wu, MD, with Hartford HealthCare.
"Nutrition isn’t just about what sounds healthy, it’s about how foods work together to support your body.”So if your routine feels healthy but your results disagree, some of the nutrition habits you rely on may be ones that aren’t working.
1. Choosing “low-fat” or “diet” foods
Those healthy labels might feel reassuring, but they don’t always tell the full story.“When fat is removed from foods, it’s often replaced with added sugars or refined carbohydrates to maintain flavor,” Dr. Wu says. “That can actually make the product less satisfying, less filling and more likely to spike your blood sugar.”And often, those are the foods that won’t keep you full as long.“Healthy fats play an important role in satiety and nutrient absorption,” Dr. Wu notes. “Without them, you may feel hungry sooner and end up eating more overall.”No, that doesn’t mean you need to load up on fat, but it does mean that balance is key. So instead of focusing on labels, look for whole, minimally processed foods that include healthy, unsaturated fats like nuts, seeds, olive oil or avocado.
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