Weight loss can be a common goal at this time of year in the hotter months. It’s important to be savvy with your food choices to make sure your diet is efficient and serving its purpose. Breakfast is an obvious place for the day’s healthy eating to begin but not all breakfast foods are created equal. Particularly confusing is when meals one think are good for weight loss actually might not be at all.
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Weight loss: Low-fat yoghurt for breakfast - why this popular meal is actually bad for a diet
One such food that Britons on a weight loss diet should steer clear of is a breakfast of low-fat yoghurt and fruit.
This could come as a surprise as it would seem to be a very healthy meal indeed.
However, experts have said that a breakfast of low fat and yoghurt and fruit will not satiate - which means you are likelier to snack later or eat more.
Adam Kelinson, a professional chef, endurance athlete, and author of The Athlete’s Plate, told Men’s Health: “On the surface, it seems like this is a good way to start the day, and it’s definitely better than a lot of other options.”
The problem, though, is that the breakfast is crammed with simple sugars which the human body will quickly burn through.
What’s more, the lack of fat in the low-fat yoghurt will leave you feeling hungry.
It’s much better to ensure you’re getting plenty of protein in your breakfast.
For instance, a protein-filled Greek yoghurt would be a much better option.
Consider teaming it with a serving of whole grain cereal or granola. This way you’re getting fibre, protein and healthy fat, setting you up well for the day.
According to registered nutritionist Clarissa Lenherr, you should look for yoghurts that contain 4-6g of sugar per 100g serving. This is roughly the amount of natural sugars that are present in dairy products.
She told The Telegraph: "The best option is to choose plain, unsweetened, whole fat yoghurt and top with fresh fruit.”
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Another surprising breakfast food which is unhelpful for weight loss is margarine - often spread onto toast.
Some margarine contains trans fats - the least healthy fat of all. “Trans fat, like saturated fat, increases blood cholesterol levels and the risk of heart disease,” said the Mayo Clinic.
“In addition, trans fat lowers high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or ‘good,’ cholesterol levels. So skip the stick and opt for soft or liquid margarine instead.”
If you do want to still include margarine in your meal, be sure to opt for a spread that doesn’t have trans fats and has the least amount of saturated fat, recommends the Mayo Clinic.
As for toast, most bread contains refined flour which provides minimal nutrients and fibre, reported Healthline.
This means the high refined carbohydrates and low fibre levels can result in blood sugar levels spiking.
In turn, this could result in “rebound hunger,” said Heathline, which can see dieters eating more at their next meal.