Weight Loss Disclaimer: These 7 Condiments Add To Your Calories!

In the quest for weight loss and a healthier lifestyle, we often scrutinise our meals, paying close attention to calories, proteins, and carbohydrates. But after doing all of that, sometimes we still do not see the results that we expected. So, what is the reason for that? One of the reasons might be that we frequently underestimate the impact of condiments on our overall calorie intake. These seemingly innocent additions can significantly affect our efforts to shed those extra pounds.

Here are seven popular condiments that can sneakily add extra calories to your diet. Let us look at what those are and provide you with tips on how to use them more mindfully.

Mayonnaise, with its rich, creamy texture, is a condiment that many people adore. Yet, it's also a calorie-heavy culprit. Just one tablespoon of mayonnaise packs approximately 90 calories, mainly from its fat content. To enjoy mayonnaise more carefully, consider opting for a lighter or low-fat version. Alternatively, experiment with healthier alternatives like Greek yoghurt or mashed avocado, which can add creaminess and flavour to your dishes without the calorie load.

Ketchup

Recipe - MasterChef Pankaj Bhadouria

Ketchup is a beloved condiment, often found on tables worldwide. While it may seem innocent, its sugar content can quickly contribute to your daily calorie intake. A typical tablespoon of ketchup contains around 20 calories, mainly from added sugars. To reduce your calorie consumption, use ketchup sparingly or explore alternatives like sugar-free or reduced-sugar versions, which provide the tangy flavour without the sugar-induced calorie spike.

BBQ Sauce

BBQ sauce, renowned for its sweet and smoky flavour, can be a calorie-dense addition to your meals. Two tablespoons of BBQ sauce can add 50-70 calories to your dish, largely due to added sugars and fats. To keep your calorie count in check, apply BBQ sauce lightly, using it as a flavour enhancer rather than a drowning sauce. Additionally, you can also consider opting for sugar-free BBQ sauces available in stores.

Ranch Dressing

Creamy dressings like ranch are known for their indulgent flavour, but they come with a caloric cost. Two tablespoons of ranch dressing can pack over 100 calories, primarily from fats. To enjoy ranch dressing with your snacks and salads, you can switch to a light or low-fat version, which can cut the calorie count significantly. What you can also do is explore vinaigrette dressings that offer a tangy and lighter alternative for salads and dipping.

Peanut Butter

Recipe - Yum Curry

Peanut butter is a versatile spread that can add depth and flavour to various dishes, but it's calorie-dense due to its high fat content. A single tablespoon of peanut butter can contain approximately 90-100 calories, making portion control crucial. To enjoy peanut butter without overloading on calories, measure your portions carefully, and consider trying powdered peanut butter, which has fewer calories while retaining the nutty flavour you love.

Thousand Island Dressing

Thousand Island dressing, another creamy condiment, shares similarities with ranch when it comes to calorie density. Two tablespoons of Thousand Island dressing can contain between 100-120 calories, making it a high-calorie addition to salads or sandwiches. To limit your calorie intake, use this dressing sparingly or opt for a homemade version with reduced sugar content. You can also try lighter dressings like balsamic vinaigrette for a more weight loss-friendly option.

Honey Mustard 

Honey mustard is a condiment that adds a lovely sweet and tangy kick to dishes, but it can be deceptively calorie-rich. Two tablespoons of honey mustard can provide 70-80 calories, mostly from sugar content. To manage your calorie intake, drizzle honey mustard lightly over your food, using it as a complementary flavour rather than a dominant one. You can also experiment with homemade versions that reduce the sugar content while preserving the delicious taste.

So, the key to having condiments that go with your foods is to use them sparingly, explore lighter versions, or consider making your own healthier alternatives to enjoy your favourite dishes without the unnecessary calorie overload. By paying attention to these condiments, you can stay on track with your weight loss goals and maintain a healthier diet that suits your needs.