The following article is based on that you are currently in “Maintenance Mode” with your Medifast Diet and are no longer on the 5&1 Plan…
This is about making smart food choices each and every day.
Food companies are smart. They understand how to package their products to fool you into thinking they are good for you. I actually saw a frozen ice cream cake at the market the other day that had “Good For You” plastered on the box. Really?
What are food impostors? Simply put, it is bad food for your body. Bad for you foods like cookies and chips are easy to spot and avoid. Those are no brainers. However, many bad foods are getting tricky to spot and actually seem healthy. Packaging can say “whole grain”, “real fruit” and “natural protein”, but is it really? You are seeing packaging evolve today in the grocery stores but don’t be fooled. In fact, my advice is to ignore everything you see on the front of the package. Instead, turn it around and you still have to read labels and the ingredients. Don’t slack off here!! Here is a quick cheat sheet for you:
Seems healthy: FRUIT SMOOTHIE
But it’s like: A MILKSHAKE
Did you know that often there isn’t any fruit at all in these frosty drinks? True story. Instead they are full of fruit flavored syrups and sugar filled juices and full fat ice-cream. Often, they are worse for you thank a milkshake. You have to keep telling yourself that your biggest enemy in losing weight isn’t fat, it is sugar. And one of these fruit smoothies you buy can completely ruin all your work for the week. Avoid them.
Better: Ask for whole fruit and low-fat yogurt and no juice or syrup, or better yet, make your own at home so you are in control of what goes into it.
Seems healthy: VEGGIE CHIPS
But it’s like: POTATO CHIPS
The similar fat and calories in veggie chips outweighs the benefit gained from the tiny amount of vitamins. Skip them altogether. There is a new “Guilt Free” brand of chips at your local health food store which will give you the crunch you are looking for without ruining what you have done with your Medifast Diet.
Better choice: Stir a packet of French onion soup mix into Greek yogurt. Then enjoy with your favorite raw veggies. This not only satisfies your salt cravings but also has the crunch as well.
Seems healthy: FORTIFIED FLAVORED WATER
But it’s like: FRUIT JUICE OR SODA
Sugar is sugar no matter what it is put around it. If you are concerned about not getting enough vitamins take a multi vitamin. There is no reason to drink these whatsoever. They damage your body the same way soda does. Avoid.
Better choice: Plain water is always a better choice. If you want some flavor add lemons, limes or a splash of juice such as orange juice to a glass of water or sparkling water.
Seems healthy: SPINICH WRAP
But it’s like: THREE SLICES OF BREAD
Better choice: Pick a 7-8 inch whole-wheat tortilla, but make sure whole wheat flour is the top ingredient. This saves you 100 calories. Also look for those that are gluten-free.
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