5 Healthy Foods That Could Be Ruining Your Diet Without You Realizing It

In recent years, there’s been a growing awareness around living a healthy lifestyle. As part of this shift, countless articles on nutrition have emerged — many promoting so-called “superfoods” and healthier eating habits.

According to one particularly eye-opening article, some healthy foods might actually derail your diet if you're not careful. “It’s a common misconception that all healthy foods support weight loss,” says nutritionist Guna Bilande, in an interview with Metro.
“These foods offer excellent nutritional benefits, but their high calorie content can sometimes work against your weight-loss goals.”

She stresses that while these foods are healthy, they should be consumed in moderation, especially if weight management is a priority.

Following are five healthy but calorie-dense foods that may be holding you back:

1. Avocado

Avocados are packed with vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats, but they’re also very calorie-dense. “A single avocado can contain anywhere from 250 to 300 calories,” says Bilanda. “Those calories add up fast if you’re not careful with portion size.”

2. Nuts and Nut Butters

While nuts are rich in nutrients and healthy fats, they’re also easy to overeat. “A small handful of nuts can have around 200 calories — and nut butters can pack in even more,” Bilanda warns. “Be mindful of how much you're eating, especially if you're snacking straight from the jar.”

3. Olive Oil

Olive oil is often hailed as a heart-healthy fat, but it’s extremely high in calories. “Just one tablespoon contains about 120 calories,” Bilanda explains. “It’s easy to overdo it when cooking or making salad dressings, so measuring is key.”

4. Granola

Often marketed as a health food, granola can be a hidden calorie bomb. “Always read the labels for sugar content and serving size,” she advises. “Consider making homemade granola to control what goes into it.”

5. Smoothies

They may seem like the perfect health drink, but smoothies can quickly become calorie traps. “Use low-sugar fruits, avoid added sweeteners, and be cautious with high-calorie ingredients like nut butters and seeds,” Bilanda says.

While these foods offer plenty of nutritional value, they’re not always ideal for weight loss, especially in large portions. If you’re trying to shed pounds, pay attention to serving sizes, watch out for hidden sugars and fats, and remember: even healthy food can be too much of a good thing.