Good and bad fruit and veg

Sweets, cakes and bacon, we all know they need to be rationed if you want to stick to a healthy diet and maintain a healthy weight. But fruit and veg we can gorge on ‘til the cows come home, right?
A Generic Photo of broccoli and cauliflower. See PA Feature TOPICAL Fruit Veg. Picture credit should read: PA Photo/thinkstockphotos. WARNING: This picture must only be used to accompany PA Feature TOPICAL Fruit Veg.A Generic Photo of broccoli and cauliflower. See PA Feature TOPICAL Fruit Veg. Picture credit should read: PA Photo/thinkstockphotos. WARNING: This picture must only be used to accompany PA Feature TOPICAL Fruit Veg.
A Generic Photo of broccoli and cauliflower. See PA Feature TOPICAL Fruit Veg. Picture credit should read: PA Photo/thinkstockphotos. WARNING: This picture must only be used to accompany PA Feature TOPICAL Fruit Veg.

But according to some experts, chomping through endless quantities of fruit and veg might not always be a great idea.

“Although it would be difficult to get fat on a vegetable based diet, if you’re looking to burn body fat, not all vegetables are as beneficial as others,” says Chris Hall, founder of Hall Training Systems.There are some fruits and vegetables, he notes, that may also lead to weight gain, so may be best avoided if you’re aiming to lose a few pounds.So, what are the worst waistline culprits in your fruit bowl?

BEANS AND LEGUMES

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“These contain a lot of protein and have a high-nutrient density, one cup of lentils has 227 calories, compared to broccoli with just 31. If you are on a limited calorie diet, you would need to watch your intake of these vegetables,” advises Hall.

SWEETCORN

According to Emma Rose, Fresh Fitness Food’s nutritional expert, this starchy vegetable has a “high glycaemic index” which raises your blood sugar levels, resulting in a drop in glucose levels after only a few hours, leaving you feeling hungry quicker.

POTATOES

Elouise Bauskis, a nutritionist at NutriCentre, notes that the much-loved potato is perhaps one of the worst vegetables for those looking to lose weight. Very high in starch and carbohydrates, excessive consumption could contribute to weight gain over time, especially as potatoes tend to be something we eat in big portions.

AVOCADO

Technically a fruit, this creamy and delicious addition to any meal is, relatively speaking, higher in calories than most of its counterparts, with around 332 calories in a large avocado. .

DRIED FRUIT

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Dried fruit is generally far more calorie-dense than fresh fruit. Adding some to your breakfast porridge, yoghurt or salads is a great way to liven up meals and pack in some extra goodness, but keep the portions small if you’re watching your weight.

PASSION FRUIT

Fruits that generally taste sweeter are higher in sugars, which can lead to a drop in glucose levels and leave you feeling hungry quicker.

SO WHAT’S GOOD?

Cauliflower, broccoli, kale, cooked carrots, berries and grapefruit.