Which foods to avoid when trying to lose weight
One way to lose weight is to eat a more healthful diet. Knowing which foods to avoid and which to eat can help a person reach or maintain their ideal weight.
In general, when trying to lose weight, it is best to reduce or avoid foods that are calorie dense. However, the number of calories in a food is not the only factor to consider.
For example, low-calorie foods that lack nutrients such as fiber and protein can still leave a person feeling hungry and unsatisfied, which can make it harder to resist snacking.
In this article, we discuss 14 different types of food to avoid eating when trying to lose weight.
Many beverages, such as sodas, sports drinks, and fruit juices, are very high in added sugars but often low in other nutrients. Consuming these beverages adds calories to the diet but does not help a person feel full.
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These Dietary Guidelines also state that the average person in the United States consumes around 17 teaspoons of added sugar a day. Almost half of this sugar comes from drinks, including sweetened teas and coffees.
A 2015 study found an association between consuming sugar-sweetened beverages and excess weight gain in children and adolescents.
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2. Baked foods
Baked foods, such as cookies, pastries, and many premade desserts, are often very high in added sugars, including fructose.
A 2015 study found that participants who ingested fructose experienced greater hunger and desire for food than those who ingested glucose, another type of sugar.
Many baked foods also contain trans fats. The results of a 2016 study in mice suggest that a diet high in trans fats may increase the risk of obesity.
According to the
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3. French fries
Fried foods, including French fries, are generally high in calories, salt, and unhealthful fats.
Many restaurants cook their fries in a deep fryer to give them a crispy texture, but this cooking method adds a significant amount of fat and calories. Despite this, because they lack fiber and protein, French fries do not help a person feel full for very long.
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When eating out, people looking to lose weight should select a salad, fresh fruit, or a pickle as a side instead of fries.
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4. Restaurant hamburgers
Hamburgers from restaurants, especially fast-food establishments, are often high in fat and calories.
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Lean, ground beef can be part of a healthful diet if a person cooks it at home without added fats or oils. An occasional homemade burger can be a good source of protein, iron, and some B vitamins.
When trying to lose weight, it is best to avoid hamburgers and fried foods when eating out. More healthful alternatives can include grilled chicken, fish, or salads with grilled meat.
Crackers and chips are often high in calories and may also contain added fats, salts, and sugar.
Crackers and chips are types of processed food. A 2015 study in Brazil found a positive correlation between the consumption of “ultra-processed foods” and obesity.
More healthful snacking options include raw carrots or celery with hummus or a small portion of toasted nuts with no added salt or sugar.
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6. White pasta and bread
White pasta or bread that people make using refined wheat flour is typically high in calories and carbohydrates but low in fiber, protein, and other nutrients.
Whole-grain varieties of pasta and bread are readily available. These generally contain more fiber and nutrients than white varieties, which can make them more filling and healthful.
The ingredients label should list a whole-grain flour as the main type of flour. Some examples include whole-wheat flour, brown rice flour, and whole-rye flour.
7. White rice
White rice is very low in fat but also contains minimal fiber and protein.
A 2016 study in Iran identified a link between white rice consumption and obesity in female adolescents. White rice also has a high glycemic index, which means that it can cause a spike in a person’s blood sugar levels after they eat it.
Brown rice, quinoa, and cauliflower rice are healthful alternatives to white rice. These options are richer in dietary fiber, which can help a person feel fuller for longer.
8. Energy and granola bars
Although energy and granola bars are often rich in fiber and protein, they can sometimes contain as much sugar as a candy bar.
More healthful snack options include:
- sliced apple with peanut butter
- mixed nuts
- Greek yogurt with berries
- a hard-boiled egg
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9. Candied dried fruits
Fresh fruits contain fiber and beneficial nutrients and are generally low in calories. Dried fruits, however, can be more calorie dense.
As they contain much less water, dried fruits are a concentrated source of fructose. As a result, gram for gram, dried fruit contains more calories and sugar than fresh fruit.
However, dried fruits still contain fiber and nutrients, making them a better sweet snack option than cookies or candies.
People who are trying to lose weight can still enjoy dried fruits in moderation, but it is important to check that they do not contain added sugar. Some “candied” or “sweetened” dried fruits may contain as much sugar as a candy bar.
Many people consider yogurt to be a healthful food for weight loss. Greek yogurt, in particular, contains protein, and the bacterial cultures in yogurt may aid digestion. However, with so many different types of yogurt available, it is important to read the nutrition labels.
It is best to avoid sugar- or honey-sweetened yogurts. Fat-free yogurts are especially likely to contain added sugars.
Look for Greek yogurt without added sugar and sprinkle fresh berries on the top for flavor.
11. Ice cream
Ice cream is a high-sugar, high-calorie dessert that offers very little protein and no fiber. It is also easy to exceed the recommended portion size of ice cream, which is usually half a cup.
Consider frozen fruit for an alternative cold and sweet treat. Or, blend Greek yogurt with fresh fruit and freeze the mixture in popsicle molds for a homemade frozen treat.
12. Processed meat
Processed meat includes meat that manufacturers have either:
- dried
- smoked
- fermented
- canned
- otherwise processed and preserved
Examples of processed meats include bacon, jerky, hot dogs, salami, and ham. These types of meat are often high in salt and low in nutrients. They also tend to be calorie-dense compared with lean protein sources, such as poultry, fish, and beans.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) class processed meat as a carcinogen, which means that it can cause cancer.
13. Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages are calorie dense and generally high in sugar, but they contain little or no protein and fiber. According to the
- a regular 12-ounce (oz) beer contains about 153 calories
- a light 12-oz beer contains approximately 103 calories
- a 5-oz glass of red wine contains close to 125 calories
- a 1.5-oz glass of an 80-proof distilled spirit contains an average of 97 calories
People who are trying to lose weight can still enjoy the occasional alcoholic beverage if they wish. However, it is best to drink alcohol in moderation. The
14. Candy bars
Candy bars are generally unhealthful due to their high calorie, sugar, and fat content.
However, a person trying to lose weight can still enjoy chocolate in moderation. It is usually best to choose one or two small pieces of dark chocolate with a minimum of 70 percent cocoa. Dark chocolate typically contains less sugar than milk or white chocolate varieties.
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Summary
When trying to lose weight or maintain a healthful weight, it is important to choose the right foods and to avoid those that are calorie-dense but low in fiber, protein, and other healthful nutrients.
People who are unable to achieve a healthful weight through diet and exercise may wish to consider speaking to a doctor or dietician.
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