We probably don’t have to tell you twice that butter isn’t exactly the best food to eat if you want to lose weight. Although it’s delicious, essential to a range of recipes, and a tasty addition to your morning toast, nutritionist Lisa Richards, creator of the Candida Diet, warns us that “all types of butter are high in fat and calories, which can contribute to belly fat if consumed in excess.” However, it’s important to note that while some types of butter can be a fine addition to a healthy diet when consumed in moderation, there are a few you’ll want to steer clear of if you’re looking to shed belly fat.
To discover the worst option out there, we asked Richards which type of butter she recommends cutting out of your diet in order to lose weight. She told us that despite what you may have been led to believe, margarine (especially when it contains trans fats) is one of the most fattening options out there. Find more insight on this deceptively unhealthy ingredient—and what she recommends eating instead—below.
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Margarine with trans fats
According to Richards, if you're going to cut out one type of buttery spread for your health, it should be margarine—despite the fact that it was once considered a healthy alternative to natural butter. "One of the worst types of butter for belly fat is margarine, especially those that contain trans fats," she tells us.
But what exactly are trans fats, and why are they such a major culprit of weight gain? She explains that these unhealthy fats are created when liquid vegetable oil is partially hydrogenated to make it more solid. There are several health risks associated with trans fats, especially when it comes to weight gain; as Richards notes, "They are known to increase inflammation in the body and raise levels of bad cholesterol (LDL), which can lead to belly fat and other health problems."
In addition to the trans fat content of margarine, other ingredients add to the health risks at hand. "Some types of margarine contain added sugars and artificial flavors, which can contribute to weight gain and other health issues," Richards says. All in all, it's best to steer clear of this spread if you're looking to shed pounds.
What to eat instead
So, margarine isn't the best way to go for weight loss. What should you spread on your toast instead? Believe it or not, Richards suggests "natural, unsalted butter," which she says is "a good source of healthy fats and contains vitamins A, D, E, and K." Who knew?!
Of course, eating too much butter can be detrimental to your health, so, as Richards, notes, "it's still important to consume butter in moderation and pair it with a balanced diet and regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight and reduce belly fat." If you follow this rule and make sure to swap margarine for natural butter, you should be able to stay on track with your weight loss goals. Your body will thank you!
