Dr Michael Mosley warned these four 'healthy' weight loss foods could 'do more harm than good'
Navigating the supermarket aisles can be a minefield for those looking to maintain a healthy diet, with many products claiming to be beneficial for weight loss. However, many of these foods may not live up to their nutritional claims and could potentially cause "more harm than good".
Beloved health expert Michael Mosley warned people that certain foods might not be as good for you as you think. Dr Mosley, who passed away in June this year, was a popular TV and radio figure, providing diet and health advice to millions.
Writing on his Fast 800 blog in 2021, Michael advised people what foods to avoid. He said: "In a world full of food manufacturers, with clever marketing and a lack of science behind their claims, it can often become confusing to know exactly which foods are healthy when you’re navigating the supermarket."
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He continued: "With huge signs at the end of each aisle, telling you exactly why the latest products will turn your health around, it’s easy to fall into their well set traps and spend a fortune on ‘healthy’ foods that are not so healthy."
As reported by the Daily Record, to help consumers make informed choices, the author of Just One Thing identified four foods marketed as healthy, but which he advises against purchasing. Among these are veggie crisps, which have gained popularity in recent years as a healthier alternative to traditional potato crisps.
Vegetable crisps
Dr Mosley warned that these thinly sliced vegetables may not provide significant nutritional value. Often fried in sunflower oil for crunch and seasoned with salt for flavour, they may not be any healthier than their potato counterparts.
If you're hankering for a crunchy, savoury snack to keep hunger at bay until dinner, the health expert instead suggested reaching for raw veggies, nuts, seeds, or gut-friendly sauerkraut and kimchi.
Low-fat foods
Low-fat products have traditionally been the go-to for those on a health journey, but recent scientific findings have highlighted the benefits of full-fat foods. Dr Mosley shed light on why low-fat might not be the best choice. He explained that low-fat products often lack nutrients and are packed with sugar and additives to compensate for the loss of flavour when fat is removed.
These high-sugar, low-fat foods can cause blood sugar spikes, leading to more cravings and energy slumps. Furthermore, Michael pointed out that foods rich in mono and poly-unsaturated fats offer full flavour while keeping you satiated, and they could even aid weight loss.
He shared: "A study, carried out by researchers at Stockholm’s Karolinska Institute, tracked the diets of 20,000 women over a period of 20 years. The study found links between the consumption of full-fat dairy products (milk and cheese) and weight loss. Over a ten year period, the women who regularly consumed full-fat milk saw a lower [Body Mass Index] BMI."
Instant porridge
As for breakfast, a bowl of homemade porridge made with rolled oats and whole milk is a fantastic way to kickstart your day, but the same can't be said for those instant "just add water" sachets. Michael sounded the alarm on the hidden sugars lurking in instant oatmeal, with some brands packing a hefty 16g per serving.
Ready-made salad dressings
He also warned that bottled salad dressings could be sabotaging your health efforts due to their high calorie content and unwelcome additives.
"Not only do commercial dressings have a significant amount of calories per serving (and not many of us actually stick to the recommended serving of one tablespoon), they’re also packed with additives, to extend their shelf life, thickeners, hidden and other nasties that simply don’t belong in your cupboard," he advised. For a healthier alternative, Dr Mosely suggested whipping up your own dressing using equal parts olive oil and balsamic vinegar or lemon juice.