A common belief is that in order to lose weight, you need to cut out what is called “junk food.” However, in practice this may not be the case. In a conversation with Holly Willoughby and Philip Schofield on This Morning, nutritionist Graeme Tomlinson suggested that you can still eat processed foods while trying to shed fat.
Graeme argued that losing weight isn’t necessarily what we eat.
Instead, the most important factor in weight loss is creating a calorie deficit when a person consumes fewer calories than they consume in a day.
In contrast, a calorie surplus person consumes more calories than they consume in a day.
Experts have argued that being calorie deficient is the “only scientific way” you can lose weight.
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Does this mean that people can eat donuts, cakes and potato chips and still lose weight?
“You can eat whatever you want and still lose weight as long as you’re in a calorie deficit.”
Exercise, which counts as “energy expenditure,” also helps create this calorie deficit, as workouts burn calories.
According to Graeme, people who are losing weight should not always choose the “healthiest” option.
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For example, chocolate bars may actually have fewer calories than nutritious cereal bars stuffed with ingredients such as fruits and nuts.
He distinguished between calories and nutrients. “Calories determine her weight and nutrients contribute to her health.”
Experts gave another example of Coca-Cola and green smoothies. The results may come as a surprise to those on a diet.
When presented with each glass, the fizzy drink contained 315 calories, while the fruit and vegetable jam-filled smoothie contained 432 calories.
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Despite the fact that smoothies are arguably more nutritious, Graeme insisted that Coca-Cola was “a better weight loss option.”
However, choosing fizzy drinks over vegetable-rich smoothies, even though they’re low in calories, means you’re missing out on important nutrients.
When it comes to popular breakfasts, slim people might be surprised that smashed avocado on toast actually does a detriment in terms of calories.
Avocados are nutrient-dense, high in fiber and full of healthy fats.
However, this fruit is also relatively high in calories (about 250 calories for a medium avocado).
Eating avocado on toast with a slice of bread provides a whopping 505 calories, according to Graeme.
On the other hand, a slice of toast topped with a thin slice of bacon and a fried egg will add up to 360 calories.
So for those looking for a calorie deficit, toast fries may be a better option, despite avocado’s overall benefits.
But experts pointed out that while dieters can track calories to lose weight, it’s also important to measure the nutritional value of foods.
This is the key to overall health and functional health.
