Are These 7 ‘Healthy Foods’ Sabotaging Your Diet? Dietitians Warn They May Be Secretly Making You Fat

June 27, 2025: While many people turn to healthy foods for better nutrition and weight management, dietitians caution that several popular items marketed as “healthy” may actually be hindering your goals — especially when portion control is overlooked.

According to experts, foods such as nuts, avocados, granola, and smoothies — though nutrient-rich — are calorie-dense, meaning even modest overconsumption can lead to unintended weight gain.

Nutrient-Rich, Calorie-Heavy

Nuts and Seeds

These are packed with healthy fats and protein but are easy to overeat due to their small size and high calorie count.

Avocados

A source of monounsaturated fats and fiber, avocados are healthy in moderation but can add up in calories quickly.

Granola

Often high in added sugars and processed oils, pre-packaged granola can contain more calories than expected.

Smoothies

Frequently made with sweetened yogurts, fruit juices, or syrups, smoothies can quickly become sugar bombs, despite their fruit content.

Hidden Sugars and Misleading Labels

Dried Fruit

Lacking water content, dried fruits are calorie-dense and can contain added sugars for preservation.

Low-fat Yogurt

Some “low-fat” versions include added sugar to maintain taste, negating the calorie savings from fat reduction.

Fruit Juices

Even freshly pressed juice lacks the fiber found in whole fruits and delivers a sugar spike.

Moderation Is Key

“Just because a food is healthy doesn’t mean it’s low in calories,” say dietitians. Including these foods in a balanced diet is encouraged, but portion awareness and label reading are essential for managing calorie intake and maintaining a healthy weight.