Diet Foods That Make You Fat

Fat Trap #3: Fat-Free Dressing

This fat trap is often the most surprising. While a full-fat dressing can destroy the nutritional value of a salad, fat-free dressings can do something similar. Certain nutrients found in vegetables are only fat-soluble, meaning you need a little bit of fat in order for the body to absorb the nutrients. In addition, fat-free dressings may make you miss out on the antioxidant value of vegetables. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that those who used fat-free dressings didn’t benefit from the lycopene or beta carotene content of their vegetables. If you can’t absorb the nutrients, you’ll be left feeling unsatisfied after eating. This could lead to grazing and nibbling on other foods throughout the day.

Slim Strategy: Try an Oil-Based, Reduced-Fat Dressing

Look for dressings that contain heart-healthy oils like olive or canola oil, and 2 to 4 grams of fat per serving. Two teaspoons (a serving) of this kind of dressing will count for 150 calories; these 150 calories will serve you better than the hundreds more you consume between unhealthy snacks later.

Fat Trap #4: Fruit Snacks

A lot of fruit snacks tout that they are made with real fruit juice and provide a full day’s worth of other vitamin C and other nutrients. But when it comes down to it, the added sugars and artificial ingredients render any of the potential nutritional benefits moot.

Slim Strategy: Try Fresh or Dried Fruit

The real thing is your best option. Fresh and dried fruit are both rich in fiber, phytonutrients and cancer-fighting antioxidants. Fruit snacks offer none of this. Aim for 5 servings of real or dried fruit a day. 

Click here to learn about other food label frauds, and click here for the popular diet fads that just don't work. For a plan that does work, try the Dr. Oz Ultimate Diet.