We all know that healthy eating is essential for our overall well-being. In fact, the WHO states that 80 percent of all heart disease, stroke, and Type 2 diabetes and up to 40 percent of cancer could be prevented if people ate better, so it’s worth paying attention to what we eat.
But, what many people don’t realize is that some of the foods we eat that are considered “healthy” may actually be high in calories. Knowing which foods are high in calories can help you make more informed food choices and avoid consuming too many of these seemingly healthy options.
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds are often touted as being a healthy snack option because they contain natural fats, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals. While it’s true that nuts and seeds are beneficial to our health, they’re also quite calorie-dense.
A small handful of almonds (about 20) contains around 162 calories, while a tablespoon of tahini (sesame seed paste) contains 90 calories. If you’re trying to keep your calorie intake low, opt for a smaller portion of nuts or seeds or mix them with other lower-calorie ingredients, such as berries or celery sticks, to keep your snack under control.
Avocado
Avocado has become one of the most popular superfoods due to its high nutrient content and its ability to provide a creamy texture to dishes like toast and salads. However, avocados are quite caloric; just half an avocado contains around 160 calories! Despite its high-calorie count, avocado is still a nutritious food choice; it provides essential vitamins such as vitamin K, folate, and potassium, as well as healthy monounsaturated fats, which can help reduce cholesterol levels.
Oils
Oils contain essential fatty acids, which are important for our body’s functions, such as regulating hormones and controlling inflammation levels. However, oils should be used sparingly when cooking because they contain a large number of calories per serving size – 1 teaspoon of olive oil contains 40 calories! To lower the amount of fat consumed in your meal without sacrificing flavor, try eliminating oil altogether by sautéing vegetables in broth instead, or use only a very small amount when necessary – even ¼ teaspoon can go a long way!
Smoothies
Smoothies can be great for getting essential vitamins and minerals into your body quickly and easily, but they can also be surprisingly high in calories, ranging from 200-800 calories, depending on what ingredients you use.
To keep things balanced, try using unsweetened almond milk instead of regular dairy products, natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit extract instead of added sugars, and healthy fats like chia seeds or flax meal instead of nut butter.
Conclusion
It’s easy to assume that all healthy foods must be low in calories, but this isn’t always the case – some “healthy” foods can be surprisingly high in calories if not eaten in moderation. Knowing which foods have higher calorie counts than others can help you make healthier decisions when it comes to your diet so you don’t end up accidentally consuming too many unnecessary calories each day. With these tips, you can enjoy all the health benefits these types of foods have to offer without worrying about consuming too many extra calories!