What’s the difference between “healthy” food and food that helps you to lose weight? In many cases, nothing. People who are trying to lose weight should eat healthy food. But in some cases, there’s a big difference. And the difference could be the reason that you are not losing weight.
“Healthy” Food: Not Always the Best Choice
The Food and Drug Administration doesn’t regulate the use of the word “healthy.” So you might buy a food that says healthy on the label and, in fact, the food is not necessarily good for you if you’re on a diet. In addition, there are other terms that can be similarly confusing. These might include the terms “organic,” “multi-grain,” or “natural.” Just because a food package has those words on the label doesn’t necessarily mean that the food is the best choice for you or that it will help you to lose weight.
For example, natural cookies are still cookies. They don’t necessarily make a better snack than an apple or a handful of carrots. The other pitfall is that sometimes we have a tendency to eat more of certain foods if we think that food is healthy. A study done at the University of Michigan found that when a food was labeled “organic,” dieters tended to eat more of it.
Make Better Food Choices
So what’s the best way to come up with a plan for healthy eating? How to you choose the best foods to help you lose weight? The first step is to read the Nutrition Facts Label on every food that you buy. This label will provide the real details about what you are eating, including the number of calories, the grams of fat and the ingredients. The next step is to consider working with a registered dietitian. Talk to your physician about getting referred to one of these experts who can help you decode the grocery aisles and help you to make better choices.
