Is there anything more frustrating than trying to lose weight only to realize that you’re not comfortable in your own skin? If you answered yes, then you’re in luck because we have a complete guide for you on what to cut out to lose weight. Here are the top food items that you should avoid and how you can replace them with healthier alternatives to get your desired results.
Red Meat
Red meat is excellent food that provides your body with necessary nutrients, iron for example, but it is also the number one cause of weight gain. When you eat red meat, the odds are that you’ll increase your waistline. The worst offender is processed meats which, if eaten in large quantities, can increase your risk of cancer by 20 percent. Opt for low-fat cheeses and remove the skin to avoid the extra weight gain. When you do eat red meat, go for lean cuts and avoid anything with lots of grease. If you’re following a specific diet plan, ensure that the food you’re eating adheres to your guidelines. Keep in mind that some meats, such as beef, can be harder to digest than others, such as chicken. If you’re really determined to lose weight, it’s best to avoid eating red meat altogether.
Pizza
Pizza is another food item that you should avoid if you want to lose weight. It is typically made with high-fat cheese, sausages, and lots of red pepper. A slice of pizza has around 213 calories and 19 grams of fat. You should aim to replace pizza with a diet bowl or a sandwich. Deep fried foods are also among the worst offenders when it comes to weight gain. If you’re looking for a snack, opt for walnuts or sunflower seeds as they provide healthy fats and fiber that will keep you satisfied for longer. Adding eggless mayonnaise to your sandwiches and salads can help limit the fat and calories too.
Red Wine
Drinking wine regularly has many health benefits, so it’s not surprising that it’s become a popular drink among people who want to lose weight. One glass of wine has around 100 calories, and it can provide your body with necessary antioxidants that protect you from cancer and heart disease. If you want to indulge in this healthy drink, choose a smaller bottle or pour it into ice cubes to minimize the calories. When you replace regular wine with alcohol-free white wine, you’ll lower your body’s insulin level and decrease your appetite. Studies have also shown that drinking wine can help you lose weight due to the antioxidants present in the drink. If you really want to get rid of that extra weight, it’s best to avoid all alcohol consumption as it can cause health problems in the long term.
French Fries
If you’ve ever had French fries, you’ll know that they are one of the most popular food items in Europe and many other parts of the world too. It is estimated that around 30 to 40 million pounds of french fries are bought around the world every day. They are usually served alongside other food items, making them a quick-and-easy option for those looking to fill up. A typical bowl of french fries has around 410 calories and 44 grams of fat. You can reduce both of these figures by opting for thinner cuts and avoiding greasy foods. One way of getting some fries on a diet is to bake them rather than frying them. Although you’ll give up some of the taste, you’ll have healthier food that won’t weigh you down. Baking fries also helps reduce the glycemic index, making them a healthier option for those with diabetes or pre-diabetes.
Potato Chips
Although potato chips are mostly associated with Americana, they have become incredibly popular around the world over the last few years. One serving of potato chips has around 150 calories and 13 grams of fat. A popular brand has around 10 grams of fiber in each serving while another type has around 5. You’ll find that most potato chips are high in fat and low in nutrition, making them a poor choice for anyone who is trying to lose weight. Replace chips with vegetables, especially sweet potatoes which are rich in vitamin A and fiber. Grilling or baking vegetables can help lower the fat content significantly while also adding some flavor to your food. When fries and chips are served together, it means that the eater has failed to observe a recommended portion size and has overindulged. This is often the case and is a major reason why so many people are struggling with obesity.
Soda
Soda, usually made with sugar, has become extremely popular around the world too. It is available in almost every country and many restaurants and food brands promote and sell it. It has low nutritional content, with around 10 percent of the daily recommended amount of fiber and vitamin C found in a can. Most people consume between 2 and 4 cans daily, leading to increased risks of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Instead of having soda, try a cola equivalent made with stevia. It has a similar taste to the real thing but with none of the harmful side effects. If you really want to indulge, try a ginger ale or a creamy drink made with milk instead.
Cheese
Cheese is another food item that you should avoid if you want to lose weight. It is one of the most popular food items among people around the world due to its versatility. There are many different types of cheese available, with many containing different ingredients, such as bacon or spinach, that provide different textures, flavors, and nutrients. Most cheeses are made using refined sugars, vegetable oils, and preservatives which make them poor choices for anyone seeking nutrition. Have cheese as a snack or meal replacement alongside a salad or vegetables, rather than an alcoholic drink as it can cause weight gain. When eating cheese, choose food labels that have fewer calories and fat.
Milk
Milk is another food item that you should avoid if you want to lose weight. It is high in fat, sodium, and sugar and very low in nutrients. The average glass of milk has around 160 calories and around 12 grams of fat. Instead of having milk as a drink, opt for unsweetened almond milk which is also packed with nutrients. If you really want to indulge, have a glass of vanilla milk with your breakfast. It’s ok to have milk as a snack or meal replacement when following a vegan diet plan, but only in measured amounts.
Meat
Red meat is excellent food that provides your body with necessary nutrients, iron for example, but it is also the number one cause of weight gain. When you eat red meat, the odds are that you’ll increase your waistline. The worst offender is processed meats which, if eaten in large quantities, can increase your risk of cancer by 20 percent. Opt for low-fat cheeses and remove the skin to avoid the extra weight gain. When you do eat red meat, go for lean cuts and avoid anything with lots of grease. If you’re following a specific diet plan, ensure that the food you’re eating adheres to your guidelines. Keep in mind that some meats, such as beef, can be harder to digest than others, such as chicken. If you’re really determined to lose weight, it’s best to avoid eating red meat altogether.
Salt
Salt is another substance that you should avoid if you want to lose weight. It is usually found alongside food items, such as french fries, so it’s easy for people to ‘top up’ their food with salt. Salt is highly concentrated in restaurants and eateries, with many places knowingly using the addition to make their food taste better. Having too much salt can cause high blood pressure which in turn can lead to heart disease and stroke. If you really want to cut out salt, try preparing food at home as much as possible or eat out of season. Salami, for example, is extremely high in salt, so much so that it has almost the same amount as the fattier types. When it comes to salami, opt for the smaller, thinner cuts as they provide less salt per serving. Most grocery stores sell alligator clips which you can use to remove the skin from any piece of meat. This is a great way to get rid of the extra salt while adding more health benefits to your diet.
If you want to lose weight, it is vital to realize what foods you should avoid and how you can replace them with healthier alternatives. Ensure that these foods are only eaten in small amounts or have been deprived of, and you’ll soon see the pounds falling off.