When counting calories, lots of people tend to miscalculate the number of calories they consume daily.
It's not like they're bad at math – some calories are just hidden, and people often forget about them.
Here are a few examples of hidden calories you should remember about.
Drinks with Calories
Soft drinks, energy drinks, and sweetened beverages can be loaded with calories.
Even seemingly healthy drinks like some fruit juices can contribute significant calorie intake.
Hidden Sugars
Foods labeled as "low-fat" or "diet" might contain hidden sugars, increasing calorie content.
Processed foods, cereals, and flavored yogurts can have added sugars that contribute to calories.
Snacking Without Counting
Frequent snacking, even on seemingly small items, can lead to a surplus of calories.
Unconscious snacking, such as nibbling while working, can contribute to overconsumption.
Large Portions
Oversized portions, even of nutritious foods, result in higher calorie intake.
Being mindful of portion sizes is crucial, especially during meals.
Sauces and Dressings
Sauces, dressings, and condiments may contain hidden calories.
Creamy dressings, ketchup, or mayo-based sauces can add significant calories to a dish.
Mindless Eating
Eating without focusing on the food, like snacking while watching TV, can lead to consuming more calories.
Practicing mindful eating helps in being aware of the quantity consumed.
Fried Foods
Fried foods, while tasty, often come with higher calorie counts due to added fats.
Choosing grilled or baked options over fried ones can help manage calorie intake.
Late-Night Snacks
Consuming snacks close to bedtime can contribute extra calories.
Opting for healthier late-night snacks, such as a piece of fruit, is a better choice.
Unhealthy Additions
Adding excessive butter, cheese, or creamy sauces to meals increases calorie content.
Using smaller amounts or exploring healthier alternatives maintains flavor with fewer calories.
Previously, we talked about feijoa benefits.