1 Muesli
Many brands contain added sugar and high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS). According to American research, HFCS can disrupt appetite-suppressing hormones. They also found that people who regularly consumed HFCS had a higher risk of diabetes and heart disease.
2 Low-fat ready meals
Experiments show that once your body realises the food’s appearance and taste don’t match its calorie count, your body adjusts its hunger response so you no longer feel satisfied eating that food. Plus, sugar is used to replace some of the fat.
3 Smoothies
‘These have more calories per serving than a piece of fruit,’ says Nik Wendon-Daniels of thedietitiansclinic.co.uk. Juicing fruit also removes some fibre and nutrients, making it less filling, while added ingredients such as yoghurt, milk or peanut butter can pack in more calories than you realise.
4 Diet cola
According to research, artificial sweeteners in diet sodas confuse the brain by telling it that a lot of calories are about to be consumed. When this doesn’t happen, you eat more to compensate. Studies have also found an association between diet drinks and a high risk of heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure.
5 Vegetable crisps
‘Don’t be fooled by the word vegetable,’ says Wendon-Daniels. ‘These crisps do not count as a portion of veg and don’t contain more vitamins than ordinary crisps. They’re fried in oil and are high in saturated fats and calories.’
