Shedding off some pounds can seem like an uphill task at times. But what most people fail to understand is that what they eat could be the reason why it is difficult for them to lose weight. One thing that one must keep a close eye on while trying to lose weight is their kilojoule intake each day. The amount of calories consumed is a critical factor. If you are watching weight, there are specific foods that you need to do away with. These are foods extremely rich in calories.
However, not all calories are bad for the body. For instance, 100 calories of almonds and 100calories of almonds don’t have the same effect on the body. Almonds will contain fiber, protein, and fat that will keep you full for longer than Potato. So what are the types of calorie-rich food should you strike of your diet if you are trying to lose weight? We have put up a list of 5 foods to avoid while trying to lose weight:
1. Refined Grains
Grains make the world go round for many people but they could also be the hindrance to your weight loss efforts. However, not all grains are good. You should avoid refined grains as part of your diet. Refined grains are simply processed grains that have their fiber and other important nutrients removed. The absence of the fiber means that they will be digested and absorbed by the body much more quickly. That makes you hungry and thus making it easier to overeat. The results will be more calories intake, and thus weight gain. Therefore, avoid foods such as white bread, tortillas, grits, cookies, oatmeal, pasta, and other baked foods.
2. Sugary Drinks
Drinks with added sugar are a favorite to most people. For instance, millions of fruit juices, yogurt, sports drinks, and condiments are consumed each day. Know that most of these drinks contain a lot of calories and since they are taken in liquid form, they will never make you feel full. So you will end up adding more and more calories and thus end up adding weight rather than reducing. The best trick is replacing these drinks with water and you will be impressed by the result.
3. Candy Bars
If you are candy addict, then don’t get frustrated if your weight efforts go in vain. Candies are extremely unhealthy and more so if you go for the candy bars. They are manufactured from a lot of sugar, oils and refined flour unhealthy. Candy bars contain a lot of calories and very few useful nutrients. Do you know that an average-size candy bar contains around 200-300 calories? Well, now you know why you should avoid them. The list also includes chocolate bars.
4. Ice Cream
Ice cream craving is common to most people. It is something that most start eating from a very young age and popular during the hot season. But what most people don’t know is how unhealthy ice cream is. In fact, ice cream and candy are a major cause of obesity. It contains high quantities of calories and unhealthy sugar. Just like juices, you will be adding in huge amounts of calories in the body and thus making it difficult to lose weight. However, you can make a homemade ice cream using less and healthy sugar and healthier ingredients.
5. Alcohol
Most people don’t know that alcohol is categorized as among the caloric beverages. These are beverages that contain high quantities of calories and unhealthy sugars. But alcohol only affects heavy drinkers and binge drinking. Just like sugar added drinks, you will be adding a lot of calories to the body without feeling full. In the end, you will find yourself adding more weight rather than reducing. The main categories of alcohol you should avoid if you are watching weight include beer, liquor, and wine. However, a glass of wine is not bad.
The Bottom Line
These are some of the foods that you must strike off from your diet if you are trying to lose weight. These are foods that are likely to increase calories in the body and thus making it difficult to lose weight. However, you don’t need a long list of high calorie or unhealthy foods to avoid. If you can go for whole foods while stocking your fridge and pantry, then the unhealthy foods will disappear. That is how you can successfully watch your weight naturally.
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