Why Your Healthy Snacks Could Be Making You Fat

When it comes to weight loss, not all calories are the same. While we have long labeled fat as the leading culprit in weight gain, recent studies have highlighted that we should be much more concerned about our sugar intake.  We know that refined sugar is out and while natural sources are much more welcome, we still need to be aware of how much sugar we are intaking when we reach for those healthier options. When you are sticking to clean eating and exercising but those stubborn last few kilos won’t shift, it may be time to review those healthy snack options and fruit smoothies. 

Figs: One cup of figs will deliver as much sugar as a chocolate bar, with a cup of the decedent fruit containing 27grams of fructose. While they present a much healthier option than chocolate, you should stick to 1-2 figs max when you reach for a mid-morning snack. Alternatively, swap them for cranberries, which contain a mere 4grams of sugar per cup.  

Mangos: While packed with healthy Vitamin A, half a mango contains around 23grams of sugar. Healthy yes, but you may want to reconsider the mango smoothie with honey. Why not opt for an avocado based smoothie instead, with an entire avocado containing a mere gram of sugar. What’s even better, avocados are packed with healthy fats that will keep you full for longer. 

Grapes: One of the most common lunch box additions also holds one of the highest fructose levels when it comes to fruit. On average, a cup of grapes will serve up 15grams of sugar. If weight loss is on the agenda, why not swap them for strawberries, which contain one third of that amount of sugar. 

Cherries: When it comes to festive foods and summer treats, cherries are a given. However they contain 18 grams of sugar per cup making them one decedent treat. Why not swap them for blueberries and blackberries, which contain 5 grams of sugar per cup making them the perfect partner to all your smoothies.