Welcome to the world of grocery store shopping, where the aisles are filled with choices that can either nourish or harm our bodies. As we transition into spring, it’s an opportune time to reassess our shopping habits and prioritize foods that promote wellness. However, it’s equally important to be mindful of items that could potentially lead to gut inflammation and unwanted belly fat. While the allure of certain foods may be strong, some items, particularly those high in processed sugars, refined carbohydrates, and unhealthy fats, can contribute to gut inflammation and belly fat, leading to discomfort and long-term health issues.
We checked in with Jesse Feder, a personal trainer & registered dietitian at myfoodallergyteam.com, to learn about four seemingly healthy grocery items you should avoid buying because they can cause gut inflammation and belly fat. He revealed that coconut oil, granola, trail mix, and coconut milk are the ones to cut out.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil has gained popularity in recent years for its potential health benefits, but its link to gut inflammation and belly fat is a topic of debate among experts. Feder says that "coconut oil is very high in pro-inflammatory saturated fats and calories. The high saturated fat content can contribute to gut inflammation and increases in LDL or bad cholesterol levels."
He also adds, "The high calorie content can add hundreds of extra calories to your diet and lead to belly fat."
Granola
Granola, often marketed as a health-conscious choice, can sometimes hide a surprising amount of added sugars and unhealthy fats. While it's true that granola can be a good source of fiber and certain nutrients, particularly if made with whole grains, nuts, and seeds, many commercial varieties are heavily processed and loaded with sugars and oils.
"Granola is typically high in both added sugars and calories. The high sugar content can contribute to gut inflammation and unwanted abdominal fat. Granola is also quite dense in calories which can add to weight gain," he says.
Trail mix
While the nuts, seeds, and dried fruits found in trail mix can provide beneficial nutrients like healthy fats, protein, and fiber, commercial varieties often include added sugars, salt, and unhealthy fats in the form of processed candies or chocolate. Excessive consumption of these added ingredients can disrupt gut health and lead to weight gain, particularly around the midsection.
Feder elaborates and states that "trail mix tends to be high in added candies and sweets. They are also very calorically dense. The added candies/sweets to trail mix can contribute a lot of sugar to the product as well as promote gut inflammation."
Coconut milk
While coconut milk is rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which some studies suggest may support weight loss and gut health, it's also high in saturated fats, which can contribute to inflammation and weight gain when consumed in excess. Moreover, many commercial coconut milk products contain added sugars and thickeners, further exacerbating these concerns.
"Coconut milk is quite high in pro-inflammatory saturated fats. The high saturated fat content can contribute to gut inflammation and increases in LDL or bad cholesterol levels. This gut inflammation can disrupt our energy levels and digestion. Over time this may lead to increases in belly fat," Feder notes.
