6 "Diet-Friendly" Foods That Backfire
Just because it's zero calories, low fat, or fat free doesn't mean it will help you lose weight
In the quest for weight loss, cutting corners (and calories) by choosing fat free or ultra low-calorie foods seems like a no-brainer—chewing gum to quell hunger or spraying rather than tossing your salad with dressing, for example. But in some cases, certain "diet" foods can do more harm than good and won't get you any closer to your weight loss goals, says Laura Cipullo, an RD and CDE in private practice in New York City.
Here are six "guilt-free" foods that won't do you any favors.
These popular salad dressing misters add a hint of flavor for not much calories, but you're doing your body a disservice when you choose them over a tablespoon of vinaigrette. The vegetables in your salad are only temporarily filling because they're so low in calories, and the addition of a healthy fat-based dressing (made with olive or canola oil) will keep hunger at bay, increase good cholesterol, and help your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins like Vitamin A, E, and K.
