As summer approaches, many of us reach for refreshing and seemingly healthy options like smoothie bowls, iced coffees, and BBQ salads. However, a weight loss expert warns that these popular choices might be quietly undermining your efforts to shed pounds.
Professor Franklin Joseph, consultant physician and head of Dr Frank’s Weight Loss Clinic, highlights the dangers of falling into the “healthy halo” trap, where foods marketed as beneficial can actually be calorie bombs in disguise.
“It’s not about cutting out everything you enjoy, but understanding how certain foods—even those labeled healthy—can hinder your weight loss goals,” says Prof. Joseph.
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Take smoothie bowls, for example. They often look vibrant and wholesome, topped with fruits, seeds, and granola. But blending fruit removes much of the fiber that helps slow sugar absorption. Added toppings like honey, nut butter, and granola can push the calorie count of a smoothie bowl to 600–800 calories—sometimes more than a full English breakfast—leaving you hungry again shortly afterwards. Instead, Prof. Joseph recommends eating whole fruits paired with protein sources such as Greek yogurt or a small handful of nuts to stay fuller longer.
Iced coffees are another common pitfall. Many café and supermarket options contain syrups, cream, and full-fat milk, sometimes packing in more sugar than a can of soda. Even drinks marketed as ‘skinny’ can include additives and sweeteners that trigger cravings and increase hunger later on. To avoid this, Prof. Joseph suggests opting for black iced coffee with a splash of milk or preparing your own at home, so you know exactly what goes into it.
Finally, salads can be deceptively unhealthy when laden with creamy dressings. BBQ staples like coleslaw, potato salad, and pasta salad often swim in mayonnaise or rich sauces high in fat and calories. Even a small portion can easily add over 200 calories without much fiber or protein. Swapping creamy dressings for lighter alternatives like lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, or olive oil with herbs, and boosting your salad with grilled vegetables, beans, or lean protein can keep you feeling satisfied without the extra calories.
Prof. Joseph reminds us that summer often means casual, on-the-go eating, making it easy to underestimate hidden calories. “These foods aren’t ‘bad,’ but their calories can add up quickly if you’re aiming to lose weight. Being mindful—like skipping creamy salads, choosing whole fruit over smoothie bowls, or making your own iced coffee—can make a significant difference over time.”