Gluten-Free Doesn't ALWAYS Mean Healthy: 5 Types of GF Foods that Can Pack on Pounds

If you haven’t noticed lately, “Gluten Free” is kind of the new health/food/diet craze. It seems like everyone is all about the gluten-free products these days. Every eating option - from restaurant menus to packaged foods - is making a point of including gluten-free choices. Even doctors are recommending gluten-free diets to patients . . . regardless of whether or not it’s medically necessary.

But what people are failing to understand is that gluten-free foods still have calories and fat . . . and in many cases, more so. How could this be? Isn’t all gluten-free food healthy? Well, thanks to additives that manufacturers use to make up for the flavor or texture that’s missing (due to the lack of gluten), that’s not always the case.

5 Gluten-Free Foods to Watch Out For

The following five gluten-free foods can pack on pounds if you’re not careful. This is certainly something to keep in mind the next time you head to the grocery store or your favorite “healthy” restaurant.

Gluten-Free Cookies

Just because a cookie is gluten-free doesn’t mean that it’s okay to eat as many of them as you like. They still contain calories, people! When buying GF cookies, it’s still important to read the label and see just how much fat and how many calories they contain. What you save in carbs, you end up consuming tenfold in fat . . . which can be even worse for you and your weight in the end.

Gluten-Free Breads and Bagels

Many people have made the mistake of thinking that just because a certain type of bread is gluten-free, they can indulge. Many GF breads and bagels are high in saturated fat—even more than the regular bread that you try to avoid. Look for GF breads that are high in fiber and low in calories and fat if you want to keep your waistline and health in check.

Pre-Packaged Gluten-Free Desserts

Before you jump for joy at the site of the many GF deserts available at the grocery or health food store, take a second look before putting them in your basket. Some of the more popular GF cakes and deserts contain well over 500 calories per serving and more than 30 grams of fat and sugar!

Gluten-Free Frozen Dinners

As convenient as frozen dinners can be, choosing GF versions aren’t necessarily any better for you than the TV dinners that you’ve always been warned about. Many of these GF dinners contain double the calories you should be consuming in a single meal and more fat and sodium than you should have in an entire day! Always check the label for calories, fat, and salt when buying GF pre-packaged dinners.

Gluten-Free Cereals

Did you know that some of the GF cereals are just as bad for you as the sugary cereals that you loved as a kid? Many GF cereals are high in sugar and calories, which can really pack on the pounds. Granola is especially misleading and can contain as much as 600 calories in a single serving as well as more sugar and fat than you should be consuming in a day . . . especially if you’re trying to watch your weight.

Lesson Learned?

The lesson here, obviously, is to read the labels on anything you buy!  Gluten-free does NOT mean fat-free, sugar-free, or low-calorie.