The weight gain diet – 5 foods making you fat

The fact of the matter is, we eat things which pack on the pounds without even realising it. The media has a lot to answer for in a realm of contradictory information. One day it’s ok to eat this, the next it’s not ok to eat that.

Give me a break already.

More often than not, it’s not what we are eating, but how much and when we are choosing to eat these things.

The following are 5 foods that are all part of a weight gain diet. They are going to add kilos to your waistline and turn your six-pack into a keg if you neglect a little thing called moderation.

#5 Sugar free soda/soft drink

Apparently they contain ZERO sugar making them a great option when hungry to curb those unnecessary hunger pangs.

Why moderation is needed They contain artificial sweeteners such as aspartame and other highly-acidic ingredients that will dent your teeth and turn your stomach into a toxic-waste-dump. Not only that, aspartame is highly carconagenic with the potential to increase your appetite for sugary foods.

How to trim it down Think of a diet soda like a beer (without the awesomeness) and drink only as a reward. Water and green tea are clearly better options when you’re thirsty.

#4 ‘Low fat’ smoothies

Instead of lunch, many of us pop down to the local ‘juice bar’ and opt for a liquid lunch. The smoothie is full of nutrients and minerals, surely they are our window to weight-loss?

Why moderation is needed Although smoothies are packed with nutrients, they’re also packed with a surprising amount of calories and sugar. Juice-bars use ‘low-fat’ frozen yoghurt conning you into believing that they’re healthy. Think again – Low-fat usually means high-sugar and a one-way ticket to the land of diabetes.

How to trim it down Opt for a home-made version if you can so you’ll know exactly what’s going into the blender. Natural yoghurt, cottage cheese and a smidge of honey combined, are better options than low-fat/high-sugar frozen yoghurt.

#3 Nuts

Nuts are a great source of healthy fats and fiber, which makes them a great between-meal option.

Why moderation is needed It’s easy to down twice the serving without blinking an eye. Most nuts – almonds, cashews, pistachios etc – need to be limited. Your body needs these good fats, but  calories are still calories. And if you’re watching your waistline, you have to keep total calories in mind.

How to trim it down Aim for a handful twice a day on training days, and none on your days off. You didn’t pump the iron, so you don’t deserve a reward. Ok tough guy?

#2 Fruit

Fruit is often the first thing that comes to mind when choosing the healthiest alternative to a cheesecake. Some dopesters even believe that eating an apple will shed kilos and negate the effects of the 30 donuts which proceeded it.

Why moderation is needed Whilst fruit is loaded with vitamins a minerals, it’s also full of simple sugars which will send your thighs into a cankle-producing clash with your feet.

How to trim it down Think of fruit as sugar, and try to limit your intake the same way you’d limit yourself from eating a candy-bar. So like never. You heard me.

#1 Salads

Salads are considered epicly awesome to any would-be Slim Jim – but nowadays, they’re often more bad than good. Remember when salads resembled little more than high-grade rabbit food? Not anymore.

Why moderation is needed Salads are loaded with high-calorie tasty bits like croutons, bacon and dressings.

How to trim it down Ask for your dressing on the side. After all a salad doused in dressing is enough to make you gag.

Editor’s note: Don’t forget moderation is key for every food you eat, even for the supposed healthier options.