5 Foods to Avoid When Losing Weight

Losing Weight? Watch Out for These 5 Foods!

When you’re trying losing weight, first assess the types of food you eat. A person’s diet and lifestyle are major contributing factors to losing weight. In fact, many people will agree that weight loss is 80% diet and 20% exercise; meaning if you are in the gym and trying to be active, you may be reversing all that effort eating processed and refined foods at home. Here are some of the foods to avoid if you want to lose weight fast.

1. Nutrition Bars/Protein Bars

Bars, no matter how “good for you” they’re marketed, are packed with added sugar. Even a small protein bar that claims to satisfy your candy cravings while keeping you full can have around 45 grams of added sugar1! No wonder it curbs your cravings: you’re giving in to them! Factor in artificial flavors, preservatives, thickeners and oils and you’ve got a ton of calories for a pretty lame nutritional profile. If you’re really craving a snack, consider splurging on fresh berries, nuts or any one of these safe low carb snacks.

If you’re feeling extra creative, give any of these low carb dessert recipes a try! You’ll love them!

2. Processed Fruit Juices

Most supermarkets have fruit juices on display and with so many brands, choosing one can be hard. However, if you’re trying to lose weight, skip this aisle! These processed fruit juices are loaded with added sugar and are missing the ever important fiber2. Opt for fresh fruit or better yet, stick with water!

If you’re craving something sweet to drink, there are plenty of low sugar options out there. One of our favorite brands is Bai5, they’re sweetened with Stevia and erythritol and come in a variety of tasty flavors.

3. Alcohol & Beer

Alcohol’s calorie content is far more than that found in carbs and proteins. It delivers 7 calories per gram! Being a heavy drinker can lead to weight gain without contributing any added vitamins or benefits. Many alcoholic beverages are mixed with juices, soft drinks, and mixers, all high in sugar! While alcohol is metabolized in your body, fat oxidation stops, therefore hindering your body’s ability to burn stored body fat3. Many people’s inhibitions are lowered while drinking, which is more likely to lead to mindless snacking or “cheating” on your diet.

There are healthier options out there when losing weight! Check out our Guide to Keto & Alcohol – see how you can enjoy an occasional drink without compromising your diet.

4. Fast Food

In most cities, every block is likely to have a variety of different restaurants and fast food joints ready to serve you. Most people fall into the trap of fast food because it’s convenient and cheap. Making a habit out of ordering or picking up fast food can be detrimental to losing weight. No matter where you go, restaurants may use unhealthy ingredients such as processed meat, sugar, artificial colors, additives and flour4. You never truly know if you’re eating something healthy unless you make it yourself.

If you want a slice of pizza, you can make it at home using healthier ingredients! Know exactly what you’re putting in your body and it will thank you!

5. Sugary Coffee Drinks

Coffee stops being coffee when baristas add buckets of milk, artificial cream, sugar and flavors. What you pay for is a shot of caffeine and a ton of unnecessary calories. A cup of real, black coffee has many benefits and can be enjoyed regularly! Caffeine boosts your metabolism, keeps you alert and active, burns fat that helps when losing weight and more5!

Save your money and calories and make your own coffee! Enjoy a tablespoon or two of real cream in your daily cup and enjoy its natural flavors! You can also opt for making butter coffee, which has gained wildly popularity in the last few months. You get a boost of satisfying fat, a creamy cup of coffee and nothing artificial.

In the summer months, enjoy a fresh cold brew!

Sources

http://www.clifbar.com/products/clif-bar/clifbar/chocolate-brownie#nutrition

http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2014/06/09/319230765/fruit-juice-vs-soda-both-beverages-pack-in-sugar-and-health-risk

http://www.shapefit.com/weight-loss/alcohol-calories.html

http://recipes.howstuffworks.com/10-ingredients-fast-food.htm/printable

http://authoritynutrition.com/top-13-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-coffee/