Fruits and veggies to avoid for weight loss
NOT all fruits and vegetables are created equal. In fact, if your goal is weight loss you can’t just jump on the vegetable train and gobble up every piece of green presented to you. Some fruits and vegetables will actually add bulk, and if used in large portions will leave you no thinner than you started.
We all know to top up on certain fruits and veggies when we’re trying to lose weight. Those high in fibre like cauliflower, cabbage, zucchini and kale will move through the digestive tract slowly, keeping you full longer, but other fruits and vegetables should be had in moderation — especially those that we don’t traditionally identify as vegetables, like potatoes.
Here are some fruits and vegetables to eat in moderation when weight loss is your goal.
Irish and sweet potatoes
Though loaded with dietary fibre and vitamins like A and C, potatoes are very dense and can make you gain weight, especially if eaten with butter and salt, in large amounts, or fried. Potatoes are a good source of starchy carbohydrates, and eating these, or eating processed potato products, may lead to weight gain.
Corn
Corn is a starchy vegetable that can contribute to weight gain, especially when paired with butter. A Harvard study found that each additional, daily serving of corn was associated with a two-pound weight gain in participants. Though corn is rich in fibre, vitamins and minerals, it can also spike your blood sugar levels because of the high starch content. The starch in corn helps you store fat and gain weight.
Peas and beans
Peas and beans are high in fibre, proteins and carbohydrates, which are the primary source of weight gain.
Canned vegetables and dried fruit
Canned vegetables are often loaded with sodium, and sometimes sugar as well. Dried fruits are energy-dense and, though very nutritious, will lead to weight gain if taken in large amounts.
Avocado pear
Pear is high in fats, although it’s good fats, but this means that it’s also high in calories.
Ripe bananas
Bananas are good to eat if you’re looking to gain weight. They are a great source of carbs and calories, and contain proteins, fat, carbohydrates, fibre and several vitamins.
Mangoes and pineapples
These two fruits contain a high amount of sugar, and therefore also contain more calories. If weight loss is your goal you may want to regulate how much of these fruits you eat.
