Why eating light is not a great idea

Organic, light, fat-free, low-sugar, low-fat! Yes, these are the words we all look for when we go shopping for groceries. From biscuits and cakes to ice creams, we all are guilty of looking for the 'lighter' options for some of our favourite foods. We never really ask ourselves if eating 'light' is actually good for us.
More often than not, we begin to believe that because we eat light, we can eat more of it. So, between polishing off a whole packet of light biscuits and eating four or six portions of its whole fat version, which one is worse for you? The entire packet that you just finished.
The verdict? Eat the real thing, just eat less of it.
Here is the truth on everything that's branded as 'light', 'low' or 'free' of something. These products are loaded with unsavoury ingredients such as fructose corn sugar, sucrose, cane sugar and artery-clogging saturated fats, all of which can send your insulin levels and lipid profiles into a spin.
Whenever you go shopping for groceries, do spend some time reading the labels carefully. The problem with these 'light' products is that companies cannot just remove the fat or sugar from the original product without totally losing the taste. Hence, they pile on other ingredients that are high in sugar or use sugar replacements that are much worse than their authentic versions.
When it comes to drinks and sodas, choose the real thing rather than their zero or low-cal versions, as they are notoriously high in synthetic sugars and taste really awful too. The honest truth is that the synthetic sugars will give you a quicker spike in blood sugar levels, making you awake when you need it the most. However, the dips and highs in your blood sugar levels are so pronounced that it ends up creating a vicious circle wherein the moment you get energy dips, you reach out for the high sugar drinks.
If you are looking to lose weight or simply want to eat clean and healthy, then it's best to opt for homemade or unpacketed options. That way, you know you are not taking in ingredients that can derail your healthy eating plan.
Pure nuts mixed with the purest of ingredients like high-grade maple syrup, seeds, dried fruits and other wholesome unadulterated ingredients all contribute to a healthier, cleaner you.
When looking for healthier options, step into health shops and whole food outlets where you can pick from a greater variety of wholesome options.
To sum up, always opt for the real thing if you absolutely have to and practise portion control.
wknd@khaleejtimes.com