Calorie bombs: The hidden fattening agents of everyday life
Delicious temptations await you around every corner. We'll show you hidden calorie traps and how to avoid them.
The buttery croissant from your favorite bakery on the way to the office, the moist slice of cake in the cozy café around the corner, the reliably delivered pizza in front of the TV after work – temptations, both big and small, await you at every turn. But besides the obvious calorie bombs, there are a few other calorie traps. We'll show you what they are and how to skillfully avoid them.
Large portions are fattening
First, the obvious: If your pizza is larger than 20 cm in diameter, you can be fairly certain that the dough, tomato sauce, and mozzarella contain more calories than you need for a meal . If your portions are consistently a little too large over a long period, thus increasing your calorie intake, you're always consuming more calories than you need. and you will gain weight in the medium term.
What can help you eat healthy portions? Serve your food on a small plate, chew slowly, put your cutlery aside between bites, drink plenty of fluids, and listen to your body . Ask yourself regularly: Am I really hungry ?
A calorie trap in the morning: the sweet breakfast
On Saturday mornings, enjoy a leisurely breakfast: spread delicious strawberry jam on one half of the roll, chocolate spread on the other, and then smother the croissant with peanut butter. Unfortunately, these sweet breakfast spreads are packed with sugar and therefore quite high in calories. A single tablespoon of peanut butter contains a whopping 94 calories.
Prefer muesli? Even here, caution is advised. Muesli is often not as healthy as you might think , especially when combined with milk. Crunchy muesli, in particular, is a calorie bomb: 100g of crunchy muesli alone contains 500 calories.
Ready-made products are veritable calorie bombs.
Baked Camembert with cranberries, croquettes with ketchup, lasagna for baking: While strolling through the refrigerated section of your supermarket, you will discover countless foods that definitely fall into the category of fattening foods.
Instead of filling your shopping cart with ready-made products, try cooking fresh meals every day. Steer clear of brightly colored pre-packaged goods and stock up on nutritious whole grains, low-calorie yogurt, crisp vegetables, and juicy fruit. It's worth it!
Some days we simply don't have the time to cook up a storm. Our SHEKO shakes are the perfect meal replacement for our busy lives. Treat yourself to a short break and enjoy your favorite shake.
The add-on: sauces and dressings
You think to yourself, "Today I'll eat healthily and treat myself to a salad with all sorts of colorful vegetables . A dollop or two of French dressing – delicious and so few calories." Unfortunately, you're wrong: ready-made salad dressings, dips like mayo and ketchup, or heavy hollandaise sauce with healthy asparagus are sneaky calorie traps . Instead, whip up a healthier salad dressing yourself using olive oil and apple cider vinegar, and order your fries without mayo and ketchup.
Liquid calorie bombs: soft drinks, juices and cocoa
It's long been an open secret that sweet instant iced tea, fizzy drinks in plastic bottles, and fizzy energy drinks are unhealthy. And cocoa from Tetra Pak cartons and ready-made cappuccino mixes are also packed with unnecessary sugar.
And what about orange, apple, or passion fruit juice? Even though freshly squeezed juices provide you with some vitamins , they contain a lot of fructose and therefore also a lot of calories . Juices should therefore also be consumed in moderation. Water or tea is always the best choice for staying hydrated.
That daily latte macchiato in the morning, followed by a cappuccino with a friend in the afternoon – the milk in coffee adds a lot of calories . Try to switch to black coffee more often, as it's much more figure-friendly.
Alcohol – also a hidden calorie bomb
Whether at a birthday party, a wedding, or a corporate event – there's nothing wrong with a glass or two of alcohol, right? Or is there? It's probably clear to everyone that alcohol isn't exactly a healthy choice. Alcoholic drinks usually have a pretty high calorie count . A small glass of beer or sparkling wine alone contains around 80 calories. And cocktails and long drinks contain even more. The addition of syrups or fruit juices turns these already high-calorie drinks into veritable calorie bombs. And as if that weren't bad enough, alcohol also slows down fat burning and stimulates the appetite!
Inattentive snacking as a calorie trap
And suddenly you reach for something empty, because the chocolate bar is already gone… Those who treat eating as a secondary activity risk overeating without realizing it. This applies not only to chocolate with nuts, soft-centered cookies, or nachos with salsa. Dried fruit also contains a lot of sugar and should be eaten mindfully. And even when eating a healthy breakfast, lunch, and dinner, you should give your full attention to your food intake.
Eating without physical hunger makes you fattened
Are you wondering if you even know what physical hunger feels like? A rumbling stomach and lack of concentration are clear signals that you should prepare a balanced meal. Boredom, stress, or frustration, on the other hand, shouldn't be a reason to open your refrigerator. After all, food provides you with calories that your body uses to fuel you. If you eat without feeling hungry, you consume calories you don't need at that moment. This excess energy is stored as body fat . scheduled.
When choosing your filling foods, focus on complex carbohydrates, high-quality proteins, and valuable fatty acids. But don't forget fiber. Fiber promotes a healthy metabolism and a long-lasting feeling of satiety . Legumes, vegetables, and fruits are packed with it!
Don't know how many calories you need daily? With our calorie calculator , you can calculate your basal metabolic rate and activity level, ensuring you eat exactly what your body requires.
Too little exercise makes you fat
Strictly speaking, lack of exercise isn't a edible fattening agent, but it can significantly impact your weight development and therefore deserves a place on our list. Whether it's intense weight training, light cardio sessions, or leisurely walks: exercise is important for both body and mind. Those who exercise burn calories and can, of course, eat more.
Conclusion
Calorie traps and hidden fattening foods lurk everywhere. With our checklist, you'll be perfectly equipped to fight these sneaky calorie bombs. Pay attention to a balanced diet and cook for yourself. That way, you know exactly what's in your food. Of course, cheat days are allowed too!
FAQ on the topic of calorie bombs
Still have questions? Then stay tuned!