It really is a shame. Some of the best-tasting foods are actually some of the worst in terms of fat and calories. But it can be hard to avoid them, especially in places—like malls—where nutrition information usually isn’t available.
Lots of experts say it's stupid to forbid yourself from eating certain foods – that denying yourself something you really want to eat can ultimately lead to binge eating and eventual weight gain. So dessert isn't on this list — it's OK to indulge sometimes! But some foods really do deserve the axe — especially if you are trying to lose weight. In which case, avoid these foods (when you can!) to fend off cravings and hunger, and support your efforts to slim down.
Frozen Meals
To make fresh ingredients last extra long in your freezer, food manufacturers often load frozen meals with sodium, a natural preservative, Harvest says. Sodium makes you retain water, which bloats you up – so you won't look and feel your best regardless of how much weight you want to lose.
Alcohol
Even average wine drinkers consume up to 2,000 extra calories every month. A glass of sparkling white may look innocuous but its cumulative effects can hinder weight loss. According to diet expert Robert C Atkins, alcohol is the first thing your body burns before it moves on to anything else. So until your body gets rid of alcohol from your system, you won’t burn any fat.
White rice
Not only does white rice have fewer nutrients than brown rice, your body can process it so quickly it’s likely to send your blood sugar soaring. The result is an energy crash that is soon to come, followed by cravings to eat other not-so-healthy foods in an effort for your body to feel energetic again. Choose brown rice instead and enjoy more nutrients with fewer future cravings.
High-Fiber Snack Bars
Yes, everyone needs fiber — it keeps your digestive system churning and keeps you feeling full, even when you're cutting back on calories. What you don't need: Nearly one day's worth of fiber (about 25 grams) in one snack bar, with a diet that's otherwise devoid of it, Harvest says. "Fiber intake has to be consistent throughout the day to stave off hunger, improve digestive health, and not cause stomach upset." So ditch the bars, and try to include some kind of naturally fiber-rich produce — any fruit or veggie will do— in every snack and meal.
Sugar-free products
How many of you are guilty of consuming this? Trust us these products just seem low in calories but the effect on your health is too dangerous to not pay attention to it. While these may be low in calories, consuming them can raise your insulin level, as they often contain unhealthy sugar alternatives.
Flavored yogurts
All flavored yogurts are high in sugar from the artificial flavoring. Instead of a cup of strawberry yogurt, opt for plain Greek yogurt; it’s low in sugar and contains healthy proteins to fill you up.
Granola and skim milk
Even just a half cup of granola with one cup of skim milk has 360 calories! That’s because even though granola is advertised as healthy, most of it is just sugar and fat. If it’s 10 a.m. and you need a second breakfast before lunch, that’s perfectly fine. Substitute the granola cereal for one cup of instant oats for a more nutritional and satisfying meal.
Juice
It takes several oranges to make one 6-ounce glass of OJ, but when you drink juice, you consume all the calories from those oranges without the natural fruit fibers that fill you up.
100-calorie snacks
So you know that you’re only consuming 100 calories per portion, but is it really adding to your daily nutrition? Cutting back on calories doesn’t mean you have to load up on junk. These make for great occasional treats but not for regular meal options.
Microwave popcorn
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the chemicals found in bags of microwave popcorn are known to increase the chances of developing infertility and thyroid problems. Popcorn is a great low-calorie snack, just not when it comes out of a bag filled with additives.
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