The healthy snacks that are making you fat

Slimming saboteurs

Some foods that are thought of as healthy are little more than junk food in disguise. While it’s true that some contain vital nutrients, they’re also packed with fat, sugar and calories – all dieting disasters!

Low-fat yoghurt

Why: It might sound like a diet-friendly option, but when fat is taken out of a food, sugar is often added to enhance the taste and texture. Just one pot of low-fat fruit yoghurt can contain up to four teaspoons of sugar.

Try: Natural yoghurt.

Rice cakes

Why: Though these snacks are light in fat and kilojoules, US researchers found high-GI eats such as rice cakes caused increased activity in the addiction area of the brain, which can lead to over-eating.

Try: Oatcakes.

Vegetable chips

Why: They sound healthy because they’re made from veges such as beetroot, parsnip and carrot, but they are often higher in fat and kilojoules than normal chips.

Try: Carrot and celery sticks.

Cereal bars

Why: You might think these nut and seed-based bars are a diet-friendly, quick brekkie or snack option when you’re on the go, but some varieties are so high in kilojoules, it’s almost like eating a McDonald’s burger for breakfast!

Try: Wholegrain crackers.

Raisins

Why: Drying fruit increases the amount of sugar per serving. So while a cup of grapes contains 435kJ, a cup of raisins has over 2000kJ!

Try: Fresh berries or grapes.

Flavoured water

Why: Did you know that some of these drinks contain more sugar than a can of cola? Hardly the slimline option you thought you were sipping.

Try: Water with a slice of lemon or some berries.

Peanut butter

Why: A single tablespoon of peanut butter contains nearly 500kJ and can double the overall kilojoule count of your sandwich or morning toast.

Try: Vegemite.

Gluten-free food

Why: “People continue to avoid gluten, thinking it’s healthier to do so,” says dietitian Emer Delaney. “But many gluten-free products are higher in fat and kilojoules.”

Try: Wholegrain alternatives.

Sushi

Why: Some experts say that because it contains high-GI white rice, eating sushi can cause worse blood-sugar spikes than having ice cream.

Try: Sashimi.

Honey

Why: Some people think honey is a good alternative to sugar. Yet it contains fructose, which is another form of sugar, and has 85kJ per teaspoon compared to 64kJ per teaspoon of white sugar.

Try: Stevia.