Weight Gain May Be Linked to Three Things Found in Foods

Take a good look in the mirror…with your clothes off. Without even stepping on a scale, that's a good way to gauge your weight and decided if you need to lose a few pounds. Then step on the scale to confirm your suspicions.

Why have you gained weight? You might chalk it up to simply eating more than you should and not getting enough exercise. It's certainly one reason many people pack on extra pounds. But dig a little deeper, and you'll discover that what you eat may be sabotaging your best efforts to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.

In fact, at least three things found in many foods a lot of people eat contain one of three things linked to weight gain. Want to know what these foods that cause weight gain are?

-Monosodium glutamate, also known as MSG.
-Aspartame and other artificial sweeteners.
-And gluten.

So what are these ingredients found in foods, and what do they have to do with weight gain.

MSG

It's an ingredient that's very high in sodium used to bring out the flavor in foods. And it's just about everywhere. Soy sauce…check. Barbecue sauce…check. Fast food recipes for burgers, fries, and crispy chicken….check. So what does it have to do with weight gain? MSG interferes with your brain's ability to let you know you've eaten enough. So instead of feeling full after a modest portion size, you pack away a triple-decker burger, pile of fries, soda, and dessert, before you know it, according to research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Aspartame and Artificial Sweeteners

If you're trying to watch your weight, skip the no-sugar added diet sodas, sweet teas, or treats made with artificial sweeteners. Studies show that aspartame and similar artificial sweeteners can alter your body's metabolism and increase fat storage, regardless of your exercise habits, or even a low-calorie diet that contains a lot of foods made with artificial sweeteners. And it can have a similar effect as MSG, leaving you feeling hunger, and prone to eating more than you need to.

Gluten

Going gluten-free isn't just for people who have an allergy to gluten or a gluten sensitivity. If you're trying to lose weight, or avoid gaining weight, you may want to take a closer look at the foods you're eating. Studies show that gluten can damage healthy bacteria found in your gut, and contribute to a long list of health problems, including weight gain.

And even if you're not allergic to gluten, avoiding or limiting this substance found in foods made with barley, wheat, and rye can help with weight management. But you don't have to do all your grocery shopping in the Gluten-Free section. Leave the prep work and cooking to us, and check out the selection of Gluten-Free meals made from fresh ingredients.