Weight loss is or can be nightmare, mostly because it is exhausting, and has like a million and one rules of dos and don’ts, and even more frustrating is the fact that some of the information and instructions are contradicting of one another; this begs the question ‘what does a girl gotta do to lose some weight up in here’? while we do not have all the answers yet, what we do know for now is that if you want to lose some weight, you should avoid all of the foods listed below, or at least consume them with extreme caution and very sparingly, because they can negate your attempts and efforts at weight loss.
Diet Soda
Don’t be fooled by the fact that diet soda contains no calories, because some research has tied diet soda consumption to weight gain. High blood sugar and high blood pressure has also been linked to diet soda.
Fast Food Salads
Seemingly healthy dishes at restaurants and fast food places can be packed with fat and extra calories, it is more advisable to eat home if you can and if you do eat out, look for places that list nutrition or ask for dressing on the side, along with better toppings.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is seen as one of the “good guys” when it comes to wellness, but what you don’t know is that coconut oil has approximately 120 calories per tablespoon, the same way a lot of paleo and keto recipes are drenched in this high saturated fat oil, which can easily derail your success if overdone.
Keto Ice Cream
Keto ice cream may be low carb, but it’s super high in fat and calories, and it’s often higher in calories than regular ice cream. When it comes to the science of weight loss, total intake of calories are often more important than carbs.
Dried Fruit
While you can enjoy some dried mango or dates on occasion, dried fruit is super high in sugar, and it’s hard to consider the serving size when it tastes so good, so you just go on eating.
Premade Cocktail Mixes
These are usually packed with extra sugar and calories, not really allowing for that skinnier drink you might’ve been hoping for. You’re much better off making a drink yourself from scratch, and use soda water or sparkling water instead of artificial sweeteners.
Energy Bars
If you snack on these on the regular you may want to reevaluate, especially since some “energy” bars contain enough calories to be a meal replacement versus just a snack. Not all bars are created equal, so it’s important to read the ingredient label and to get a sense for how many calories are in it.
Sushi
Sushi can (surprisingly) be hit or miss depending on what you choose. Focus on seafood with veggies and broth-based soups and if you love it.
Frozen Pizza
While there are some healthier options when it comes to frozen pizza, most pack a ton of extra calories, fat, and sodium per portion. If you can, make your own pizza
Processed Snacks
Some processed snacks contain added sugar, fat, and calories, which can definitely add up. The better option is to go for whole foods based snacks like apples and almonds, banana and nut butter, hummus and carrots, etc instead of processed snacks.
Sugar-Free Candy
For the purpose of this topic, let’s be clear on one thing; sugar-free doesn’t mean healthy or calorie-free.
Premade Smoothies
Smoothies can be awesome for adding more nutrition to your diet; however, premade smoothies or smoothies from fast food places can pack nearly as many calories as a meal and added sugars. Some may not even be made with real fruit!
Fat-Free Salad Dressing
You may think fat-free dressing is healthier for a salad than a thick creamy or oil-based one, but going with a drizzle of olive oil and lemon or a thicker, Greek yogurt-based or avocado-based dressing is actually better for you. Fat-free dressing is higher in sugar, to compensate for lack of fat, and it won’t fill you up as well. Instead, go for full-fat, but use a forkful or two.