Five Fat Free FOODS (That cause Weight Gain!)

We've all been there. Reaching for the "fat-free" option, convinced it's the healthier choice. But what if we've been misled?

It’s a common misconception that fat-free equals healthy. Many fat-free products are packed with hidden sugars that can wreak havoc on your health and weight.

I’m going to share 5 fat free foods that cause sugar cravings but first, let me tell you this:

I’ve eaten every single one of these items. Mmmhmm, sure have.

I used to think these were healthy and I sought out fat free foods - especially when on any sort of diet. What I was left with was intense cravings that led to binging that led to “falling off the wagon”, giving in, and starting over. And then doing this over and over until I just gave up completely because I thought I lacked the willpower. Nope. I didn’t. What I lacked was the proper knowledge, nutrients, healthy proteins, and healthy fats.

What I thought was a lack of willpower was actually an addiction to sugar.

Once you start consuming highly refined sugary foods, you’re on the slippery slope towards sugar cravings and sugar addiction.

Five fat-free items to avoid to curb sugar cravings

1. Fat free salad dressings - Fat free salad dressings are filled with more sugar than the full fat version which will raise blood sugar levels higher and promote fat storage.

2. Fat free ice cream - Fat free ice cream is also loaded with sugar and void of the natural fats that are present in dairy to slow the absorption of the sugar in the product. Fewer calories does not equal a healthier product. It promotes fat storage.

3. Fat free flavoured yogurt - Flavoured yogurt, full fat or not, is filled with sugar. So much, it’s not too different than eating ice cream. And yes, this too will cause fat storage.

4. Fat free candy - Just because the package on the candy wrapper says “fat-free” doesn’t mean it’ll help you lose weight. In fact, it will help you do the opposite - gain the weight.

5. Fat free dairy products - When you take away the fat, you are also removing some of the protein from the dairy. What you are left with is a low fat, lower protein product with nothing to slow down the absorption on the milk sugars (lactose) in to the bloodstream.

Let's break down why fat-free foods are not all they advertise to be.

How Fat-FREE Foods Can CAUSE SUGAR CRAVINGS

There are two reasons you get sugar cravings from fat free foods.

1. Fat free foods are often higher in sugar. The reason the sugar causes sugar cravings is twofold.
   
   Sugar raises blood sugar levels, triggering a release of insulin to lower blood sugar levels. Because of the sheer amount of sugar from refined sugars, blood sugar levels raise too high then as a result drops too low. When blood sugar levels drop too low, cravings are triggered as the body seeks to regulate itself.
   
   Insulin, by the way, is nicknamed “the fat storage hormone”. Because it does just that. Triggers fat storage.
   

2. The second thing in the equation is our natural desire for sweet things. When we eat something that tastes good for the very first time, dopamine is released which gives us a sense of pleasure. Dopamine is our pleasure and reward hormone.
   
   With ultra processed sugar - which we find in ultra processed foods and especially in fat free foods - dopamine is released each and every time we eat it. Over time, our brain starts to NEED the stimulant (in this case, the sugar), to be released. Suddenly, we find ourselves hooked on the highly refined, ultra processed sweet stuff. Fat free products perpetuate this cycle.
   
   Once your body is hooked on the sugars in the fat free foods, you’ll start to get sugar cravings - then you’ll go from reaching for the fat-free food item to the bag of candy, making a bad problem worse.

FAT FREE ALTERNATIVES

So, what's the solution? Opt for whole, unprocessed foods whenever possible:

• Homemade salad dressings: Create your own with healthy fats like olive oil and vinegar.

• Homemade Full-fat ice cream: Enjoy it in moderation made with natural sweeteners like honey, it contains natural fats that slow sugar absorption.

• Plain full-fat yogurt: Add your own fresh fruit for natural sweetness.

• Bacon and eggs: A protein-packed breakfast to start your day right and promote balanced blood sugar levels for the day.

• Full-fat dairy products: These provide essential nutrients and can help you feel fuller for longer.

The key is that by adopting a full sugar free diet, your body will start to crave sugar less and you can more easily balance higher fat foods in your diet. While indulging in the occasional treat is okay, especially when it’s homemade, focusing on whole, nutrient-dense foods is key to long-term health and weight management.

CONCLUSION

Fat free products are not healthy. Fat free labels are very misleading.

The choice shouldn’t be between foods with fat and fat free foods. The question should be changed entirely: what foods can I eat that offer me healthy fats and promote good health rather than depletes it?

Once we start exploring the answers to that question, we can begin our journey towards weight loss, more energy, and no sugar cravings with a wholesome balanced diet diet.