If there’s one thing we’ve learned from years of struggling with our bodies, it’s that we need to listen to them. When our bodies tell us that they’re not feeling great, it usually means that we need to make some changes. Thankfully, we live in a world full of options where every body is different, and that’s what makes it so exciting to find the right diet for us.
But if you’re looking for a way to lose weight without having to go through drastic changes, there are answers right under your nose. While there are many different diets to choose from, there are only a few popular foods that people need to avoid if they want to lose weight. Here are the top three foods to avoid if you want to lose weight.
Red Meat
The old adage ‘red meat’ and ‘weight gain’ might not be true. A study from the University of Oxford found that eating a little bit of red meat at least once a week could help people lose weight. Of course, this doesn’t mean you need to go overboard and eat a steak every night – maybe have a burger once or twice a week – but it’s enough to make it a point to avoid deli meats and other red meats. It seems that eating a bit of red meat can actually have some positive effects on your waistline.
White Rice
White rice might be healthy, but that doesn’t mean it’s a diet food. The old wives’ tale that eating white rice will cause you to gain weight doesn’t seem to be supported by science. In fact, according to the New York Times, there’s actually some evidence that suggests that white rice could be beneficial in reducing cholesterol levels and preventing heart disease. The real issue is the amount that you eat. Like most ‘diet’ foods, white rice is very high in carbohydrates and low in fiber. The type of carbohydrates found in white rice are quickly processed by our bodies and can cause rapid weight gain. Make sure to avoid white rice, especially if you’re looking to lose weight.
Fried Food
Fried food doesn’t always equate to weight gain. It all depends on what kind of fried food you’re eating. If it’s potato or bread fried in oil, then go ahead and indulge. But if it’s deep fried in excess, then that could be the main cause of your weight gain issue. You might be surprised to learn that some fast food places serve healthy options, so you don’t necessarily have to avoid them altogether. If you think that all fried food is bad, then you should try and eat more fruits and vegetables – they’ll help you achieve your desired weight. And if you really want to cut back on the fried food, then go for frozen or fresh fruit as a healthier alternative.
Of course, none of this advice is ground-breaking. Most people already know that eating specific foods can help them lose weight. What’s important is that you understand what those foods are so you can make the right choice for your personal dietary needs. While there are many different ways to lose weight, it’s important to find what works best for you. And sometimes, that means changing a few things about how you eat everyday. Instead of having a snack when you get home from school, why not try eating an early dinner to help you get past those late-night hunger pangs? Or, instead of having a soda after school, try drinking a sparkling water to enjoy the refreshment without the additional calories. Even things like taking the stairs instead of the lift can help you get in a few extra minutes of physical activity each day and burn a few calories. Find what works best for you and stick with it – you’ll be on your way to a healthier lifestyle in no time!