As we know, food affects us in a positive or a negative way. When we eat healthy and avoid overeating, we have more energy and feel happier. Or when we eat unhealthy foods and excess amounts of them, we have low energy and feel gloomy. So you’re probably wondering “What should I eat if I want to lose weight?” We’ve identified the best foods to avoid and the ones to eat in order to achieve your desired outcome.
Fruit
Fruit is one of the best sources of nutrients for humans and animals alike. However, our diet choices affect us in a negative way. The amount of sugar in fruit is extremely high and this has been shown to increase the risk of diabetes. The only exceptions to this guideline are watermelon, grapefruit, and kiwi fruits; all of which have been proven to have a positive effect on diabetes and obesity. Avoid eating too many fruits and vegetables, especially those with high sugar contents. Instead, focus on filling up on whole grains and lean proteins.
Red Meat
Red meat contains a lot of iron, zinc, and vitamin B12. This makes it a powerful weapon against anemia, skin disorders, and nerve damage. There is plenty of evidence to suggest that people who eat a lot of red meat have a lower risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. However, some people experience the adverse effects of eating too much red meat. If you’re going to indulge in this food group, then do so in moderation. Try to eat only once or twice a week.
White Meat
White meat such as chicken and fish are excellent sources of nutrients. They are high in protein, low in fat, and they have a good balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. However, just like red meat, eating too much white meat can pose some health risks. Processed meats such as hot dogs and ham contain nitrates and nitrites that act as food additives. These compounds are known to be carcinogenic. Thus, people who eat a lot of processed meats run an increased risk of cancer.
Sugar-Sweetened Drinks
Sugar-sweetened drinks such as soft drinks and fruit juices contain high amounts of sugar. This is the primary cause of the steadily increasing rates of obesity and diabetes. People who drink these types of beverages regularly have a higher appetite and are more likely to overeat. The effects of regularly drinking sugar-sweetened beverages on health are well documented. These drinks have been shown to increase the risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. If you’re going to drink any type of sugary beverage, then do so in moderation. One or two sugar-sweetened drinks per day is okay. But if you’re feeling thirsty, then drink water instead of a sugar-sweetened drink.
Vegetables
Vegetables are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They also act as a great source of water. It is well known that people who eat a lot of vegetables have a lower risk of heart disease and diabetes. These are the two biggest killers in the world today, and it’s not hard to see why consuming lots of vegetables helps prevent or ease the effects of both of these diseases. Eat your vegetables. However, if you want to lose weight, then you should avoid green vegetables such as broccoli and Brussels sprouts. These vegetables contain large amounts of water and fiber, which makes you feel full and therefore less likely to overeat. Instead, focus on eating dark green vegetables such as kale and spinach. The darker the vegetable, the more nutrients it contains. So if you’re going to indulge in vegetables, then do so in moderation.
Deep-Fried Foods
Deep-fried foods are another nutritional no-no. When you eat foods that have been coated in oil, you will instantly increase your calorie intake. Now there are exceptions to this rule, such as small plates of potato strips or spring rolls. But overall, fried foods are high in calories and contain a lot of unhealthy fats. People who eat fried foods regularly have higher cholesterol levels and are more likely to get heart disease. The best alternative to this unhealthy food group is bake or steam-fried foods. The former gives you a healthier option while the latter remains a better option than deep-fried foods.
Chocolate
Chocolate is one of the most popular and beloved foods in the world. It is high in antioxidants, flavonoids, and vitamins. Furthermore, dark chocolate contains more healthful fats and sugars than milk chocolate does. The latter is essentially empty calories. If you’re going to indulge in chocolate, then do so in moderation. One piece per day is okay. But if you want to lose weight, then you should avoid dark chocolate as it has been shown to increase the risk of obesity and heart disease. It’s best to eat milk chocolate instead. This gives you a better chance of avoiding these health risks.
Mixed Drinks
Some people enjoy a drink now and again, while others can’t drink alcohol due to certain medical conditions. Regardless of whether you can or can’t drink alcohol, mixing drinks offers a whole new world of possibilities when it comes to dieting. You might be wondering “What should I drink if I want to lose weight?” Alcohol mixed with soft drinks is one of the best options. It’s high in water and low in calories. So if you want to burn calories and stay hydrated, then drinks containing alcohol are your best bet. But if you want to keep your muscle and boost your health, then drink only soft drinks. Fruit juices and beer contain high amounts of sugar, which leads to increased calorie intake and obesity. Instead, drink only water.
White Bread
White bread is another nutritional no-no. This kind of bread gets its color from grilling, which results in it containing lots of fat and calories. It is very similar to greasy cakes and should be avoided if you want to lose weight. Instead, choose wholegrain or whole-grain bread. The former is the healthier option while the latter remains a better option than white bread. Everyone deserves a treat from time to time, but white bread is not something that you should be eating regularly.
As you can see, there are many foods that you should avoid if you want to lose weight. Some of them are obvious choices, such as fried foods and sugar-sweetened drinks. However, there are lesser-known foods as well that have been proven to increase the risk of obesity and diabetes. You should also be aware that some of these foods appear in various cultures as a sign of hospitality. So if you want to lose weight, it might be best to avoid eating these foods altogether. Not sure what to avoid? Never fear, we’re here to help. We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of foods that you should AVOID if you want to lose weight. Remember, not all calories are created equal, and some foods are much worse for your overall health and wellbeing than others. So make sure to check the nutritional information before you indulge. Now you know what you shouldn’t eat if you want to lose weight, what will you eat?