“Oh, I’ll just get a salad,” is what people worried about gaining weight say when they eat out with friends. Salads are low-cal right?
That depends. Places like the Cheesecake Factory load salads with so many unhealthy things they soon become high-calorie, high-fat and high-salt.
Indeed, salads made this list from AARP: 12 Foods That May Cause Unhealthy Weight Gain.
“Salads can be loaded with fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals—but what you put on them matters. Piling on cheese, bacon bits, croutons or creamy dressings can pack more calories than you expect.
“Tip: Keep your portions in check when using calorie-dense toppings and opt for a light vinaigrette instead of creamy dressings. For an even bigger nutritional boost, go for a variety of colorful veggies and lean proteins to keep you full,” says the AARP article.
Other items on the list, such as nuts which are often touted as healthy, may surprise you too.
Even olive oil, everyone’s favorite fat these days, made the list. Quantity matters is the lesson here.
Leave a Reply