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We all love to add spreads and dips to our meals every now and then. It’s no secret that condiments can add a ton of flavor to just about any food you eat. Although some condiments are tastier than others, they can often do more harm than good when it comes to your overall health and waistline.
There are specific condiments no one should be eating because they cause stomach fat and some serious bloating. Moderation is key when it comes to condiments, but even the smallest amount of spreads and dips can pack in lots of unnecessary extra calories. Luckily, we’ve turned to the experts to clarify which condiments you should try not to use since they’re actually super indulgent.
You should definitely think twice before adding the all-american favorite condiment ketchup to your meal. In an interview with PopSugar, registered dietitian nutritionist Jackie Newgent warns about the dangers of ketchup. “The typical bottle of ketchup is a source of added sugars and added sodium -- two nutrients that your body almost never needs more of,” Newgent explains. Other alternatives to ketchup can be salsa or low-sodium barbecue sauces.
We can cover salads with ranch dressing all we want, but that doesn’t change the fact that ranch isn’t good for you. Yes, ranch is delicious, but it’s also not the healthiest condiment out there. We hate to break it to you, but just a tiny bit of ranch contains a lot of fat and calories. A RDN-reviewed Livestrong article explains that one serving of ranch, typically two tablespoons, has between 9 and 14 grams of fat. Instead of ranch, try reaching for other flavorful and healthier dressings to add to your salad next time.
Another condiment that isn’t the best for your waistline is mayonnaise. According to Healthline, one tablespoon of mayo has 94 calories and 10 grams of fat. Healthline recommends using mayo alternatives or looking for mayos made with healthy oils if you really want the taste of the condiment in your meal.
In an interview with Shape, registered dietitian Cynthia Sass explains why you should reach for spicy or yellow mustards instead of honey mustards when it comes to your condiment of choice. In short, Sass says that even fat-free honey mustard can have about 50 calories per two-tablespoon serving, which is higher in calories than spicy and yellow mustards. There are many types of mustards that are a delicious addition to just about any meal, but you should definitely avoid honey mustard for the sake of stomach fat.
What’s your go-to healthy condiment? Let us know your favorite in the comments below!
