If you’ve finally managed to knock that chocolate habit on the head, a new study might just have you throwing your hands up in defeat. The news hot off the press? Certain types of veg can make us fat.
The large scale observational study from Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health found that people who eat greater volumes of starchy vegetables like peas, sweetcorn and potatoes are more prone to gain weight in midlife, than those preferring non-starchy veg such as broccoli, carrots and spinach. The reason? Starchy vegetables are higher in calories and have a higher glycaemic load (a measure of how much the food will raise your blood glucose level) than non-starchy veg, which is strongly linked to weight gain.
The study also found that switching to high fibre foods – such as wholegrains and fruits including apples and pears – can also reduce the effects of middle-age spread. Increased fibre intake slows digestion to reduce blood sugar spikes and can make you feel fuller for longer, reducing cravings and any tendency to overeat.
So, if you are keen to halt the march of middle-age spread a few simple fruit and veggie swaps could be just the ticket. Just make sure you are still getting your 5-a-day minimum for a balanced, healthy diet and remember, any kind of vegetable is always better than a sugary snack.
