10 Foods to Avoid to Lose Inches Around the Waist

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All the exercise in the world cannot help you when trying to losing weight if your diet is not on point. There are certain foods and drinks that you need to stay away from at all costs if you want to shed pounds quickly and, maybe, fit into those skinny jeans that you’ve been eyeing for a while. 

Tracking calories and portion control are easy and practical alternatives to following fad diets. 

But, no amount of portion control can help you lose weight when you are eating the following foods: 

1. Potato chips 

The salted packet of crisps might be your worst enemy when it comes to losing weight. According to a Harvard study published in The New England Journal of Medicine, potato chips contain high levels of sodium which is associated with weight gain. Usually, a single packet of potato chips doesn’t satisfy our cravings, and we almost always reach out for another bag of the crispy delights, which can then spiral into a dieting nightmare.  

2. French fries 

Did you know that the classic French fries, the world’s favorite fast food, is the second most high calorie food as well? The high-processed and deep-fried French fries are one of the worst foods you could have if you want to lose weight. And not only that, standard French fries are the unhealthiest foods that can lead to a number of heart and cardiovascular conditions. If you don’t want to ditch the fries to trim down your waist, fine, it is understandable entirely if losing weight isn’t your goal. But French fries put you at a higher risk for health issues that may lead you to seek medication assisted treatment for being overweight. The deep fry is what makes these snacks the worst for your health, and, if you must have them, consider air frying. 

3. Sugary drinks 

Sodas and carbonated drinks are the leading causes of obesity as they contain high-fructose corn syrup, which is worse than sugar. What makes these drinks even more harmful is the fact that they aren’t the least bit filling, which means that you will need more cans or bottles of the drinks along with your food. Besides, the sodas go well with junk foods, a combination that can really stack up those calories, leading to a bigger waist. 

4. White bread and white pasta 

Both white bread and pasta are made from processed, refined wheat flour, which is high in carbohydrates, and doesn’t contain fiber or nutrients. Eating white pasta or bread is like consuming empty calories and adds inches to your waist. If you make your sandwiches with white bread, consider whole-grain bread from here on in, and ditch the mayo as well while you are at it. For pasta, choose the one made from whole grains.

5. Refined sugar

Refined sugar, or what the health specialists often refer to as ‘white poison,’ is a no-go for people who want to lose weight. The problem with limiting your sugar intake is that refined sugar is everywhere: cereals, granola bars, and even in smoothies. Even healthy food options, like the store-bought pasta sauce and oats, will have sugars added. 

6. Processed meat

Processed meat includes hot dogs, bacon, salami, ham, et cetera., or any type of preserved and frozen meat. Processed meat contains high amount of salt and lacks nutritional value. Adulterated meat causes obesity and chronic diseases, like cancer and diabetes. Alternatives to processed meats are the lean and natural meat and chicken available at your local butcher’s shop. 

7. Cookies

If you think cookies are a harmless snack food that goes well with your afternoon tea, you are grossly mistaken. According to one study, cookies are more addictive than both cocaine and morphine. Because they’re easier to munch on, cookies are rarely eaten in moderation. So, instead of snacking on this calorie high food, you should avoid it altogether, and have tea or coffee without the cookies. 

8. Pizza

Pizza will not magically become a healthy food even if you put all the greens on it. It’s the dough made from refined wheat that’s real culprit here. Consuming pizza made from refined carbs can be the reason for your expanding waistline. For a healthier pizza, make one at your home from whole wheat dough and homemade sauces, skip the cheese, and put a lot of veggies and chicken on top. 

9. Fruit juice 

One of the most common mistakes people often make while losing weight is following liquid only diets, particularly the so-called juice cleanse. Plus, the supermarket juice contains artificial flavor and refined sugars, which, as mentioned earlier, are the worst foods for weight loss. Consuming juice only is going to lead you to feeling hungry more often because liquid juices lack fiber. To avoid binging on food later on your cheat day, choose from healthier solid food-based options for your diet. 

10. Energy bars 

Even though energy bars might seem like a healthy breakfast or a snack option, you need to know which ones to avoid. When dieting to lose weight, avoid granola bars which contain added refined sugars. Energy bars might be rich in fiber, and will keep you satiated for longer, but those added sugars aren’t helping you get into those skinny jeans. Healthy options here are fresh fruits, boiled eggs, and salads that can help you stay satiated for longer and will give you energy as well. 

Conclusion 

Fad diets might get you chugging juices all day and munching on granola bars, but without ditching added sugars, refined and processed carbs, and fast-food options from your diet, you’ll not lose that stubborn fat.