5 Foods to Skip for Weight Loss
Keeping your weight in check is particularly difficult with hidden surprises in your food that are working against you. Here are some you really must avoid:
Artificial Sweeteners
That’s right. The exact thing that is supposed to replace sugar, is working against you, too. Studies have shown that these artificial products are creating a sort of “glucose intolerance,” which leads directly to obesity and type 2 diabetes. Of course, added sugars aren’t helping either, so nutritionists recommend things like fruits and sweet potatoes to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Carbs (but not all)
Bread, sweets, pasta, and foods that are “enriched,” all have refined carbs and studies show that causes an effect that tells your body to absorb and digest food more rapidly. That’s how you end up with those energy crashes later in the day and it knocks your metabolism out of whack. Instead, you want complex carbs that you find in whole grains and vegetables.
Low-fat foods
Just like “artificial sweeteners,” low-fat foods should be avoided, too. It turns out that foods that are called “low-fat” are replacing the fat with calories. The exact opposite of what you want. You can’t, and shouldn’t, avoid fats entirely. But be sure to pick the ones that are good for you, like tuna, mackerel, or salmon. Omega-3 fats are always a better choice.
Soda
This is a big one. Soda is all around bad for you. High in high fructose syrup, it can cause something knowns as metabolic syndrome. That leads to high blood pressure, excess body fat around the waist, and elevated blood sugar. Your risk for heart disease, diabetes, and stroke increases dramatically if you are hooked on soda. Water is your best choice, but if you like the bubbles, consider Kombucha. It’s a fermented tea loaded with all kinds of probiotics and other good-for-you things!
MSG Additives
MSG is a flavor enhancer, and also addictive. Yikes! To make matters worse, sometimes it’s hidden by other names. Watch out for ingredients like glutamate or anything “hydrolyzed.” Yeast extract, gelatin, soy proteins and others can hide MSG, too. Your best bet is to stay away from processed foods, and only use basic spices.