HOLISTIC
C I T S I L O H Shaindy Oberlander, INHC
Physical Health
Is This Weight-Loss Friendly? In today’s technologically connected world, I often receive and see awesome recipes from health enthusiasts, and those recipes all look delicious indeed. However, if weight loss is a goal for us, we need to understand that healthy does not equal weight-loss friendly. For instance, acai bowls are all the rage nowadays. While the acai berry is certainly healthy, and an acai bowl can be packed with nutrition, it’s also loaded with sugar. Consider what that appealing bowl contains: Acai berries, bananas, strawberries, mango, kiwi, cocoa nibs, almond butter, and coconut—and that’s just some of it. Are these components healthy? Most definitely. Weight-loss friendly, especially given their quantity? Absolutely not. Sugar is what drives weight gain. This does not mean that eating fruit is unhealthy. Fruits are incredible edibles. They contain antioxidants, fiber and loads of nutrients. However, eating too many fruits daily in place of healthy carbs, fats, and proteins will most definitely lead to weight gain. As another example, let’s take a look at commercially prepared protein bars. While these are great snacking options for athletes and for anyone who isn’t trying to lose weight, they’re by far not weight-loss friendly. A typical protein bar contains honey, nuts, peanut butter, and many added ingredients that may be healthy but will not aid in one’s weight-loss journey. Rather, when you’re looking for that nutritious snack until your next meal, opt for a real fruit or a protein-packed yogurt with no sugar. Shaindy Oberlander, BS, INHC, a graduate from Mercy College and IIN, runs her functional medicine– based nutrition practice in Toms River, New Jersey, and virtually. Shaindy has tracks for teens, nursing and pregnant mothers, and women peri/post menopause, and tracks for women suffering from hormonal issues. She can be reached at 347.228.1198 or via her website at www.benefithealthprogram.com.
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WELLSPRING / AUGUST 2023
