If you’re trying to lose weight, your diet is a vital in aiding you in your weight loss goals. But when critiquing your own eating habits keep in mind not all foods are created equal, and some are best to stay away from when trying to drop those pounds. Here are a few to keep in mind.
1. SWEET & SALTY SNACKS—POPCORN, CHIPS, AND ICE CREAM
They may be tasty, but you can be almost certain they are high in calories too! The problem with foods like these is that it’s far too easy to eat too much. When’s the last time you opened a bag of chips and only had a single handful? Chances are before you put them away you became a victim to a second or third helping. The best thing to do is stay away from these foods completely.
2. SODAS
Regular sodas are high in sugar, and that means they’re high in calories too. Most people tend to focus on t
he foods they are consuming when trying to lose weight and don’t even acknowledge the “liquid calories” that can contribute a significant amount of calories and slow down potential weight loss. For those who consume soda on a daily basis, sometimes cutting it out is all that is needed to achieve weight loss goals.
3. FRUIT JUICES
Fruit juices fall into the same category as sodas: high-sugar and high-calorie. I know what you’re thinking, “but fruit juice is a much healthier choice than soda” and while it may be a better choice it is still a high-calorie drink that many people don’t realize can contribute to a large increase in total calories. So if you can’t avoid it, think moderation. Only four ounces of fruit juice is considered a serving, so measure it out and try to stick to that amount. If possible, go for the real fruit instead of the fruit juice and you can enjoy other benefits like fiber that you would be missing out on with the juice alone.
4. ALCOHOL
Again, most people don’t realize that many times it’s the “liquid calories” that can really contribute to weight gain and alcohol is no different. If you’re like to have a drink or two after work go for a light beer instead or find an alternative that helps you relax after a hard day’s work—like a brisk walk or a good workout routine. This would not only allow you to get those same stress-relieving results but can also help you reach your weight loss goals quicker.
Research assistance provided by Robert Masterson.
