5 foods that aren’t as fattening as they seem

There is a disheartening part of all weight loss diets: there are many delicious foods that are completely banned from the meals of those who want to shed a few pounds. Well, know that this decision doesn’t have to be so radical. This is because, sometimes, they are not as harmful to health as they seem and, if eaten in moderation, they can be part of your diet without guilt! Nutritionist Marina Donadi explains how it is possible to include some of these “villains” in your daily life without sending your efforts down the drain. Check out!

1. Pizza

Pizzas are almost always banned from weight loss diets. But surprisingly, it is possible to see positive points in this food: tomato sauce is rich in lycopene, which acts against cancer and skin aging; cheese is rich in proteins, an essential nutrient for the body. In order not to spoil the diet, the important thing is to make good choices. A bacon-mozzarella pizza, for example, can reach over 400 calories, while a tuna pizza has around 200 calories.

Therefore, nutritionist Marina Donadi suggests some tips: opt for whole-grain pasta instead of traditional ones, as they are a source of fiber; white cheeses are healthier options as they have less saturated fat than yellow cheeses; give preference to thin pasta; finally, heavy fillings such as bacon and pepperoni can be avoided. “Instead, choose pizzas with vegetables, which are lower in calories and rich in nutrients, which should guarantee satiety with about two pieces,” she recommends.

2. Popcorn

Popcorn at the movies? Diet, no way! And with good reason: a large pot of buttered movie theater popcorn can be nearly 1,000 calories! It is generally high in fat and full of sodium. But, unlike what it may seem, the big problem is in the preparation, and not in the food.

Popcorn can be healthy! This is because it is a source of integral carbohydrates, therefore rich in fiber, and has antioxidant substances, which reduce the risk of heart disease and even some types of cancer. But in the movies, large amounts of fat are added to make it even more appetizing. To eat “good” popcorn, prepare it at home and avoid butter, reduce (or eliminate) the oil in the preparation and add little salt.

3. Popsicle

In this heat, who can resist a popsicle? Well, “who is on a diet” would be a good answer. It makes sense: a chocolate-covered popsicle contains nearly 300 calories, and is loaded with saturated fat (which is linked to cardiovascular disease). But luckily, there are much healthier options on the market. Fruit popsicles are less caloric and equally refreshing! A lemon popsicle has about 50 calories and is fat free. Is it or isn’t it a great option?

4. Sandwich

Did you feel like eating a snack, but you don’t want to stick your foot in the jackfruit? Do not freak out! Snacks are often avoided in the diet, but they are not always as bad as they seem. Just avoid some high-calorie ingredients, such as bacon and red meat.

For a healthy sandwich, nutritionist Marina Donadi gives some tips: replace regular bread with wholegrain bread, which is a source of fiber; for the filling, bet on the chicken fillet or, who knows, on a homemade hamburger made with lean ground beef (the duckling is a good option); white cheeses are also better than yellow ones, as they contain less fat; to finish, add the salad of your choice, such as lettuce and tomato.

5. Cold coffee drink

Do you love frappuccinos, but are you sure they are capable of ruining your diet? Well, there is a solution for everything! A large frappuccino with whipped cream contains about 480 calories, and that’s really an exaggeration. But, know: a small cup without whipped cream has only 90 calories. What about? So you can kill the craving without consuming a lot more calories than you planned.

Remember: the success of the diet is in the balance. Make good choices and lead a healthier life!

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.