5 Deceptive Foods that Seem Healthy But are Actually Calorie Laden

Popping in weight loss diet pills will prove to be of no good if you do not watch out for what you eat. You will probably argue that you have a snack bar for lunch every day that promises less than half the calorie intake of a regular one? Or, maybe a brand of oil that is cholesterol free? Well, we all do that. However, if you do not read the fine print on most of these products, your smart move to control your health might just back fire. Here are a few food items whose actual properties you must consider before purchase:

1. Vitamin Water

Vitamin water is an immediate choice when one looks for refreshment but the truth is that more than half of these specially fortified waters contain a very high percentage of sugar which gives them a high calorie count. Instead, it is advised that you stick to the mundane but good old water. It will go easier on your pocket and also your waist line.

2. Cereal Bars

Cereal bars are often considered to be very diet friendly. However, it may not always be so. It is true that the whole grains are high in minerals and vitamins but the fats and sugar used to bind the bar together contain a lot of calories. A more health friendly option for you would be naturally flavored cereal bars which do not contain preservatives or trans fat.  These keep your daily calorie count low and are a great addition to your diet.

3. Salads

The word salad is often synonymous and equated to everything healthy. But the mistake you would not want to make is considering a salad to be calorie free by virtue of being a salad. The content of the salad is what is important. Oily salads or salads with a lot of meat are not healthy and should never feature in your diet list. In order to enjoy salad yet control calories, keep the dressing to a minimal and make the salad an all veggie affair.

4. Hummus 

Just like salads, hummus is also something that is considered to be calorie free just by virtue of being nutritious. Hummus is made of chickpea, olive oil, sesame paste, cumin and lemon which make it high in fibers, vitamins and proteins. However, due to the sesame and oil, it is not the best option if you are looking to reduce calories. If you still want to go ahead then your only tip would be to control your portions.

5. Lattes

Your morning lattes may seem harmless; especially with most cafes claiming that their lattes are 100 percent fat free. But once the sugar and cream and milk come into play, your latte becomes a calorie nightmare. An important tip in this respect would be to do away with lattes completely. Otherwise, simply give in to your indulgence once or twice a week and it should not have too much of a repercussion on your body.

Calories are a lot like contagious viruses. You never know where they come from but before you know it, you are badly infected. Therefore, keep a check on what you buy to prevent putting on those extra calories.

Brenda Lyttle is a health expert who began writing for publications in her community in 2005 and now commands an authority in writing on healthy living, fitness, and anti-aging related topics. She is also a strong believer of the goodness of GHR1000, a popular HGH supplement, but insists that exercising can never be replaced by any supplement whatsoever.