In our opinion, there is no single food that is responsible for most of the world’s food-related illnesses. Rather, it is complex interplay of different factors – physical inactivity, processed food, dietary factors – that result in the excessive weight gain and obesity epidemic that currently affect our society. To be more specific, the following foods have been identified as being responsible for the majority of cases of obesity in developed countries:
Refined Flour And Cakes
It is well-established that refined flour and cakes contribute to weight gain. Some studies have even suggested that eating just one or two pieces of cake per day can result in a 2-3 pound weight gain after just a few weeks! The reason behind this phenomenon is that refined flour and cakes are often highly-processed, and thus, contain a lot of calories but very little in the way of nutrients. This makes them suitable for quick consumption but not very nutritious. It is also important to keep in mind that refined flour and cakes promote chronic inflammation which, in turn, may result in serious health problems down the road. For instance, studies have shown that eating too much refined flour can increase your risk of heart disease by almost 50%!
Soda
While many people think that diet soda is a healthy alternative to regular soda due to its high water content, this is not necessarily true. Diet soda itself is nothing more than a sugar-free version of regular soda, and the studies that have investigated its effect on weight loss have not been very promising. In fact, many people have lost significant amounts of weight simply by avoiding diet soda altogether. You should also note that regular soda has been known to increase the risk of heart disease, especially in women, due to its high fructose content. Your heart will thank you if you stay away from regular soda.
White Bread
White bread has been around for centuries and has been a staple of many people’s diets. Its light color comes from the use of baking soda rather than sulfuric acid to leaven the bread. Contrary to popular belief, white bread is not a healthy food option and may even be responsible for some people’s obesity issues. If you are looking to lose weight, you should avoid this food completely and opt for whole-grain bread instead. You will find that these dense foods contain more nutrients per calorie than the refined carbohydrates commonly found in white bread. Whole-grain bread also promotes satiety, making you feel fuller and thus, less likely to overeat.
Potatoes
It is well-established that potatoes are good for your heart and muscles, as well as for controlling blood sugar levels. This is why the Irish and the Cajun people consider them to be the food of the gods. Although eating potatoes can be a healthy choice, it is important to keep in mind that these foods are highly starch-based, which means that they absorb a lot of water. This can result in weight gain, especially if you are not used to eating this way. If you have a history of weight issues, you should definitely try to reduce your intake of potatoes as much as possible. A good alternative would be to eat sweet potatoes or pumpkin, as these foods are also high in fiber and thus, have a low energy density. You should also note that the majority of starchy vegetables, including potatoes, are highly perishable and thus, unlikely to contribute to dietary longevity.
Pasta And Noodles
Pasta and noodles contain plenty of fiber and are, thus, filling. This is why they have been used for many centuries as a way of providing food during long voyage’s at sea. Despite their healthful benefits, these starchy vegetables contain a lot of sugar and, thus, may promote weight gain. The key is in their sodium content. It has been shown that too much sodium can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Furthermore, many people confuse noodles with rice and, hence, eat too much of this wheat-based food. If you are looking to lose weight, you should try to reduce your intake of pasta and noodles as much as possible and opt for vegetables and grilled meat instead. You should also try to avoid any food that contains pasta as the main ingredient, as this makes it simple to identify.
Fried Fish And Seafood
It is well-established that fish and seafood are good for your heart and brain, as well as for boosting your mood. It is also important to remember that these foods are high in saturated fat and, thus, may contribute to heart disease and stroke. The key is in the fat content. You should try to reduce your intake of fried fish and seafood as much as possible and opt for grilled or otherwise cooked fish instead, as this has been shown to have many health advantages. If you are unable to avoid them completely, you should try to eat them no more than twice per week.
Red Meat
Red meats contain a lot of nutrients, including iron, zinc, and B vitamins. They are, however, high in calories and saturated fat, which makes them perfect for creating delicious, yet unhealthy, fried bites or sandwiches. These foods are not just bad for your waistline – they can also increase the risk of heart disease and cancer. It is well-documented that eating too much of this kind of food can result in type 2 diabetes, and other forms of cancer as well.
Eating healthier foods doesn’t have to be hard. Rather, it just requires a change of mindset. You must remember that you are not necessarily depriving yourself of happiness by avoiding the foods mentioned above. You are, however, preventing yourself from getting sick. You should also try to focus on the positive effects that these foods have on your body and wellbeing, rather than on the calories and fat content.