Supermarket shelves are increasingly full of diet and light foods , products that often seem like practical and healthy options for daily meals .

Although they promise to contain “fewer calories” or be “sugar-free”, it is important to be aware of one detail: they are not always the best choices.

To avoid falling into traps when preparing your meals, see what diet and light foods are and discover whether these options are allies or villains when it comes to health and well-being.

What are diet and light foods?

Diet and light foods are associated with the idea of ​​a healthier diet , especially for those looking to lose weight or need to control some health issue.

Although both classifications are marketed as products that appear to be “better” than whole grains, in reality, many of them contain ingredients that are not as beneficial as they suggest .

Therefore, it is worth highlighting that their purposes and target audiences are different, and it is important to understand who they are intended for.

Diet foods

Diet foods are developed to meet specific consumption needs , especially for people who need to restrict certain nutrients in their diet.

Their main characteristic is the total absence of one ingredient: sugar, fat or salt – which makes them a viable option for those with certain dietary restrictions. However, it is important to understand that, even if a product is labeled as diet , this does not mean that it is completely free of preservatives and/or additives.

Therefore, it is important to remember that excessive consumption of these products is not recommended , as they can have adverse effects, such as appetite dysregulation or even changes in metabolism.

Light food

The term light – translated as “light” – is used to indicate that a food has a significant reduction in some of its nutrients .

For a product to be labeled in this way, it must meet the requirements defined by the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA), which establishes that the food must have at least a 25% reduction in relation to conventional food , with regard to energy value or some other specific component.

Furthermore, it is worth noting that, although most light foods are low in calories, they are not necessarily ideal for weight loss. In many cases, the decrease in one nutrient is compensated for by an increase in others – such as sodium, which, in excess, leads to an increase in blood pressure .

Differences between classifications

Diet and light foods differ in terms of nutritional composition , and these distinctions directly impact their formulations.

To illustrate, imagine a diet chocolate . Refined sugar is eliminated from the recipe, but it is compensated with artificial sweeteners to maintain the flavor . This formula is designed for diabetics, for example.

Now think about light cream cheese, it can be reduced in total fat to reduce calories , but it has a high content of additives (such as sodium), to reproduce the taste of the original version.

In short, while the diet focuses on removing a specific component, the light diet aims to partially reduce an ingredient.

Diet VS Light foods

Diet and light foods are often seen as synonymous with healthier products , but it is essential to remember that, although they present modifications in their composition, this does not mean that they are beneficial to health.

All of these products are classified as ultra-processed foods . They undergo a series of industrial processes to improve flavor, texture and shelf life , altering their original formulations with the addition of artificial substances, such as:

• Sweeteners.
• Preservatives.
• Thickeners.

Care when consuming diet and light foods

Although diet and light foods may seem like attractive options for those looking to control their weight or improve their diet, it is essential to carefully evaluate the labels and composition of these products before including them in your diet. They should only be consumed under the guidance of a nutritionist , who will be able to assess the real need to include them in your diet, considering your health conditions and specific goals.

It is recommended to prioritize whole and fresh options , which are more nutritious and free of artificial additives, contributing to a healthier diet without the risks associated with excessive consumption of processed substances.

Finally, it is worth highlighting that, to have good health, it is necessary to balance conscious choices, focusing on well-being and quality nutrition – and not on quick solutions offered by empty labels!