Cut the karak chai as experts warn of hidden calories in some foods

Everyday foods packed with sugars and fats can contribute to weight gain and strain the heart

Karak chai is a popular drink in the UAE, but not all drinkers may be aware of its high calorie content. Reem Mohammed / The National

Muffins containing 100 calories of energy offer little nutritional value compared with 100 calories of fruit. Jeffrey E Biteng / The National

Butter chicken is a popular dish that contains almost 500 calories, equivalent to a quarter of the total recommended daily limit doctors recommend for women.

Fruit smoothies are often billed as a healthy option, but some can contain as many calories as fizzy drinks because of their high sugar content.

Hidden calories and food loaded with unseen fats are big contributors to weight gain, according to nutritionists.

From karak chai to sandwiches and smoothies, everyday foods often seen as healthy alternatives can have as much salt, sugar and fat as some of the most common fast-food staples.

Typically, the recommended daily calorie intake for the average woman is about 2,000, while men, who are usually bigger, need about 2,500 calories from food each day to convert into energy.

“People count calories, but not always the nutrients,” said Ilse Onderweegs, a nutritionist at ICO Healthy Living in Dubai.

One hundred calories of broccoli is very different to 100 calories consumed in an apple or muffin. The biggest mistake people make is ignoring the nutrient density of food

Ilse Onderweegs,
ICO Healthy Living, Dubai

“One hundred calories of broccoli is very different to 100 calories consumed in an apple or muffin, for example.

“It is not always about calories in versus calories out, but what those calories are feeding your body ― is it nutrient dense or high in fibre?

“Even though it is healthy food, the calories consumed would be more than the equivalent weight in berries or avocado, for example.

“Granola bars and protein bars always [have] hidden calories, and have added sugar and preservatives.”

Children require much less energy to see them through the day ― with just 1,200 calories needed for girls aged 4-8 years old, and 1,400 calories for boys of that age.

Older children and teenagers need a little more, with doctors recommending girls aged 9-13 consume up to 1,600 calories daily, and boys 1,800.

Fat should make up no more than 35 per cent of food intake, ideally with polyunsaturated and mono-unsaturated fatty acids sourced from fish, nuts and vegetable oils.

Excess calories are stored in the body as fat, and can lead to chronic health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular illness and some cancers.

Good carbs vs bad carbs

Ilse Onderweegs, a nutritionist, says simply counting calories can lead to eating all the wrong foods. Photo: ICO Healthy Living

While carbohydrates are essential for regular bodily function, eating the wrong kind can also contribute to weight gain.

Eating carbs increases your blood-sugar level, prompting the release of insulin. Too much of this and the body stores it as sugar in our liver and muscles, but when these areas are overloaded the extra sugar is stored as fat, also leading to weight gain.

Bad carbohydrates are found in white bread, rice, pasta, crisps and snack foods ― whereas healthier carbs can be sourced in brown rice, beans and fresh fruit, but should still be eaten in moderation, experts said.

“The biggest mistake people make is ignoring the nutrient density of food,” Ms Onderweegs said.

“If you feed your body nutrient density your calorie intake will be lower because you will feel full for longer.

“Some fruits have hidden calories, and can be high in sugar, which can contribute to weight gain, like grapes or watermelon.

“Attitudes towards food are changing, as they are with health in general.

"There is more understanding now of the need to feed ourselves with the right foods to have more energy, and feel better overall.

“The more natural foods we eat, with plant products and lean proteins that are not processed, is the best way to maintain good health.”

Top five foods with hidden calories

Granola / cereal bar

Granola and cereal bars can contain surprising amounts of calories because of their high sugar content. Photo: David Corby

471 calories

9 grams of fat

14g carbohydrate

Salmon and cheese bagel

A salmon and cheese bagel can comprise almost a quarter of the daily recommended calorie intake. Lee Hoagland / The National

453 calories

14g fat

58g carbohydrate

Butter chicken curry

A typical serving of butter chicken is almost 500 calories and contains about 24 grams of fat. Getty Images

497 calories

24g fat

40g carbohydrate

Salami, six slices

Just six slices of salami served without bread provides more than 200 calories of energy. Photo: The National

214 calories

18g fat

2g carbohydrate

Karak chai, cup

Traditional karak chai from Logma in Dubai. Photo: Logma

100 calories

2g fat

20g carbohydrate

And some healthier alternatives

Baked potato with salsa

A baked potato served with salsa is a healthy lunch option, at less than 100 calories. Mona Al Marzooqi / The National

80 calories

9g fat

37g carbohydrate

Six banana oat cookies

A serving of six banana oatmeal cookies has just 48 calories and just 0.7g of fat. Victor Besa / The National

48 calories

0.7g fat

4g carbohydrate

Ricotta cheese-stuffed pita

Pita bread with crudites. Jeff Topping / The National

94 calories

12g fat

20g carbohydrate