These Sneaky Foods Are Making You Gain Weight, According to an R.D.

No single food in isolation of everything else you eat is going to make you gain (or lose!) weight. But often, the same barrier stumps so many people when it comes to weight loss and healthier eating: sneaky sources of added sugar or saturated fat lurking throughout the pantry, fridge, or freezer.

Many times these foods are marketed as healthier options, leading you to buy them for their purported benefits — but actually, you might’ve been much more satisfied if you’d chosen the real thing instead. Other times, they’re foods that have replaced the calories coming from one type of nutrient with another. For example, keto snacks swap sugar for high-fat coconut oil or butter; low-fat foods swap fat for added sugar. Read labels carefully — especially anything with a "free," "low," or "less" claim — to make sure you’re making a choice that works best for you.

My best tip: Prioritize real, wholesome foods in their closest-to-intended state as often as possible. (The only ingredient in your peanut butter should be peanuts!) The fewer the ingredients, generally the better it is for you. This helps you get super picky about what you’re really in the mood to eat, while helping you determine what choices will maximize your enjoyment and minimize self-sabotage. It's also important to note that weight loss, health and body image are complex subjects — before deciding to go on a diet, we invite you gain a broader perspective by reading our exploration into the hazards of diet culture.