The United States is currently in the midst of an obesity epidemic, with more than one third of adults and nearly one in five children classified as obese. This alarming trend has been linked to a host of health problems, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
While there are many factors that contribute to weight gain, diet is certainly one of the most important. And while there are no “magic” foods that will prevent weight gain (or promote weight loss), there are some foods that are more likely to contribute to weight gain than others.
Here are 10 food groups that you should avoid if you’re trying to not gain weight:
1. Refined Grains: Refined grains have been stripped of their fiber and nutrients, making them less filling and less satisfying than their whole grain counterparts. What’s more, they tend to be high in simple carbs that can quickly raise blood sugar levels and promote fat storage. Examples of refined grains include white bread, white rice, pastries, etc.
2. Added Sugar: Too much sugar can lead to weight gain because it provides empty calories that offer little nutritional value. What’s more, sugary foods tend to be highly.
French Fries and Potato Chips. Whole potatoes are healthy and filling, but french fries and potato chips are not
French Fries and Potato Chips.
Whole potatoes are a healthy, filling food, but french fries and potato chips are not. These processed versions of potatoes are high in calories and fat, and can contribute to weight gain. French fries are often fried in unhealthy oils, and potato chips are usually high in salt. Both of these foods can be hard to resist, but if you’re trying to lose or maintain your weight, it’s best to avoid them.
Sugary Drinks
Sugary drinks are high in calories and can contribute to weight gain. They’re also a major source of added sugar in the diet. Added sugar is linked to serious health problems, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity.
To cut back on sugary drinks, look for alternatives that have no or few calories, such as water, unsweetened iced tea, sparkling water with lemon or lime, and coffee without syrup or cream. You can also make your own flavored waters at home by adding fresh fruits or herbs to plain water.
White Bread
However, there are some drawbacks to eating white bread. One of the main problems with white bread is that it contains a lot of simple carbohydrates. These simple carbs can cause spikes in blood sugar levels, which can lead to hunger cravings and overeating. Additionally, white bread is often made with bleached flour, which has been linked to health problems like cancer and heart disease.
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to white bread, there are many whole grain options available that offer more fiber and nutrients than their refined counterparts.
Candy Bars
While candy bars may seem like a harmless treat, they can actually be quite detrimental to your health. A single candy bar can often contain upwards of 200 calories, and is typically high in sugar and fat. Consuming too many candy bars can lead to weight gain, as well as other health problems such as diabetes and tooth decay.
If you’re trying to avoid gaining weight, it’s best to steer clear of candy bars and other sugary snacks. Instead, opt for healthier alternatives such as fruits or nuts. By making wiser choices when it comes to your snacks, you can help keep your weight in check.
Most Fruit Juices
While fresh fruits are a healthy part of any diet, juicing them removes the fiber that helps fill you up and slows down the natural release of sugar into your bloodstream. This can cause spikes in blood sugar levels, which can lead to cravings and overeating later on.
Fruit juices also tend to be high in calories. A 12-ounce serving of apple juice, for example, has about 120 calories – almost as many as a small apple. And because juice is often consumed in larger quantities than whole fruits, it can quickly add up to a lot of extra calories.
If you do enjoy fruit juice, be sure to choose 100% juice without any added sugars. And limit yourself to no more than 8 ounces per day – that’s about half a cup. Mixing juice with sparkling water or unsweetened tea is another way to help cut down on the calories while still getting some flavor.
Pastries, Cookies and Cakes
If you’re trying to avoid gaining weight, steer clear of pastries, cookies and cakes. These tempting treats are often high in sugar and calories, which can contribute to weight gain. Instead, opt for healthier snacks that will help keep your waistline in check.
Some Types of Alcohol (Especially Beer)
When about weight gain, some types of alcohol are worse than others. Beer is one of the biggest culprits. Not only is it high in calories, but it also contains a type of sugar called fructose, which can cause your body to store more fat.
Other types of alcohol, such as wine and spirits, are not as bad for weight gain since they don’t contain as much sugar. However, they still contain calories that can add up over time. If you’re trying to lose weight or avoid gaining weight, it’s best to limit your alcohol intake overall.
Ice Cream
There are a number of reasons why ice cream can cause weight gain. First, it is high in calories. A single serving of ice cream can contain anywhere from 200 to 600 calories, and many people consume much more than one serving at a time. Second, ice cream is high in sugar, which can lead to an increase in blood sugar levels and subsequent weight gain. Finally, ice cream is often loaded with saturated fat, which can promote the accumulation of body fat and lead to weight gain over time.
If you are interested in avoiding weight gain from eating ice cream, there are several things you can do. First, limit your consumption of ice cream to small portions or occasional treats. Second, choose lower-calorie or lower-sugar options when possible. Finally, make sure to balance your intake of ice cream with other healthy foods so that you don’t offset the benefits of eating nutritious foods elsewhere in your diet.