Are your smoothies making you fat? We quizzed the experts to find out whether your health habits are REALLY good for you
We've all heard that grazing is better than three square meals and HIIT classes are the top way to improve your fitness, but is it actually true? Fabulous finds out
FROM grazing v three square meals to coconut oil v olive oil, Fabulous consulted the experts to bust the most common food myths.
Prepare to be shocked.
Smoothies v Whole Fruit
THE CLAIMS With calls for our daily intake of five portions of fruit and veg to be upped to 10*, it’s easy to see why smoothies and juices are popular – cramming several servings into one drink has never been easier.
THE TRUTH “It’s far more preferable to chew fruit and veg,” says author of How To Lose Weight Well, Dr Xand Van Tulleken.
“Blenders and juicers get in the way of the health benefits of fruit and veg, because they chop up the fibre, so it’s not as good for your gut.
“Plus, they break up cells, meaning sugars are released quicker.
“Your body reacts to the sugar in a blended orange as it would a fizzy drink.”
THE WINNER: WHOLE FRUIT
Coconut Oil v Olive Oil
THE CLAIMS We’ve gone crackers for coconut, with the fruit’s oil heralded as healthier than that from olives and nuts.
One reason is its high smoke point (the temperature at which a fat starts to smoke, releasing chemicals such as aldehydes, said to contribute to cancer).
THE TRUTH A study by the American Heart Association (AHA) found that, at 82% fat, coconut oil contains much more saturated fat than butter, beef fat and pork lard. As a result, the AHA “advises against the use of coconut oil”. Regular olive oil is just 14% saturated fat, but still has a high smoke point, meaning it’s ideal for everyday cooking – and your waistline.
THE WINNER: OLIVE OIL
HIIT v LISS
THE CLAIMS From Joe Wicks’ online sessions to your local gym’s classes, high intensity interval training – AKA HIIT – is hot right now. It involves short, gruelling bursts of cardio followed by small rests, burning around 400 calories per 20-30 minute session, according to Virgin Active.
Conversely, low intensity steady state (LISS) exercise includes gentler-paced but continuous activity, such as jogging, walking or Pilates, all of which burn as many calories, just over a longer period of time.