When Good Foods Aren't So Good

Olive oil, protein bars and tuna sandwiches all sound really healthy, don't they? Well, according to Tanya Zuckerbrodt, MS, author of The F Factor Diet, you have to watch for extra calories, even with foods that sound healthy.

Olive oil is good for your heart, but while a little is good for you, a lot of olive oil is not. Ms. Zuckerbrodt says, "oil is oil - whether it’s olive oil or some other kind of oil, it still has 120 calories and 14 grams of fat per tablespoon.

What about a tuna sandwich? "The average overstuffed tuna sandwich served in a restaurant contains 700 calories and 43 grams of fat. Tuna fish has just 35 calories per ounce and it’s full of omega-3s, but mayonnaise has 100 calories per tablespoon," Ms. Zuckerbrot says. "You’re better off having a turkey or even a roast beef sandwich."

Protein bars and a frequently consumed "healthy" snack. Ms. Zuckerbrot describes protein bars as her least favorite food and said they are basically glorified candy bars. They’re also often high in calories, fat and do little to satisfy a person’s hunger.

A better choice is hitting the salad bar and grabbing lots of lettuce, artichokes and broccoli, topped with plain balsamic vinegar. For 100 to 200 calories, you get a lot more for a lot less calories.

You need to watch out for those frozen diet meals too. "They are fairly low in calories and convenient, but they’re also highly processed and high in sodium," says Ms. Zuckerbrot. A better choice? Ms. Zuckerbrot suggests eating a slice of whole wheat bread with some light sauce and light mozzarella or an egg white omelet with some vegetables.

For more about Tanya Zuckerbrot, MS, visit her website.