When you are trying to lose weight, it is not just about cutting calories, but also eating foods that are rich in nutrients. It is important to identify foods that can slow down the weight loss process. Eating foods that are high in protein and fiber can help you stay full for longer, which is helpful for weight loss. On the other hand, foods that are high in sugar, refined carbs, and unhealthy fats can impede weight loss. These foods will hinder progress by increasing cravings, promoting fat storage, and causing blood sugar spikes.Understanding how your body reacts to certain foods can help you make healthier choices. The key to successful weight loss is concentrating on nutrient-rich foods, and not just low-calorie ones.
Foods to avoid during your weight loss journey
Deep-fried snacks: Snacks like French fries, samosas, and potato chips are high in calories and fat, and contribute to weight gain. According to Healthline, a study found potato chips to be a top contributor to weight gain per serving.
Sugary drinks: Sugary drinks like soda are packed with added sugar, which can lead to weight gain and health problems when consumed in excess. They often add extra calories to your usual diet, potentially leading to overconsumption.
Packaged breads: Packaged breads contain refined flour, added sugar, and trans fats, leading to weight gain and poor digestion. Particularly, high glycemic index in white bread can cause a rapid rise in blood sugar levels. This can lead to a range of negative health benefits, making whole grain options a healthier choice.
Candy bars, pastries, and other sweeteners: They are dense in added sugar, oils, and refined flour. Consuming these leaves you feeling hungry soon after. Many chocolate bars contain 200-300 calories or more, making them a calorie-rich, nutrient-poor snack. Consuming excessive sugar is linked to weight gain and obesity. To manage weight, enjoy these treats in moderation and limit portion sizes as part of a balanced diet.
Fruit juices: Some fruit juices contain more sugar than the whole fruit. They lack fiber and are rather filled with sugar. Without the natural fullness from chewing and fiber, it’s easy to consume excessive amounts of juice quickly, potentially leading to overconsumption of sugar and calories.
Packaged Indian snacks: Indian packaged snacks like instant noodles, namkeen, chips, and biscuits are often high in preservatives, salt, and unhealthy fats. These processed snacks can cause bloating, water retention, and other health issues due to their high sodium and artificial additive content.
Some types of alcohol, especially beer: Alcohol is calorically dense, and its effect on weight is complex. Moderate drinking will not lead to excessive weight gain. However, heavy drinking is linked to weight gain, and beer consumption can contribute to weight gain because of its calorie content.
Rich Indian curries: Curries like paneer makhani, butter chicken, malai kofta, and more are rich in calories due to excessive oil, butter, and cream. These ingredients contribute to weight gain and fat accumulation, making moderation essential when enjoying these dishes.
Coffee drinks: High-calorie coffee drinks can sabotage weight loss efforts due to added cream and sugar. To reap coffee’s benefits, opt for plain, black coffee or add a splash of cream or milk, rather than sugary flavorings and excessive cream.
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