5 Foods To Avoid For Weight Loss

You don't have to change your diet to the extreme.

1. Low Fat Foods

Low-fat foods are the enemy. People who are adding low-fat foods to their diet don't realize how low-fat foods could be possibly bad for you. Well, this is what's wrong with it.

People who eat low-fat foods are likely to eat more of the food than they normally would by up to 30%! That's okay because of the food's low in fat, right? Wrong. When fat is removed from foods, they will lose flavor no matter what. They often add sugar to compensate, which completely destroys the whole idea of a diet.

What to eat instead? Healthy fats (in moderation). Instead of using fat-free ranch dressing for a dip, try using dips that are made from vegetables, (which have natural fats that our bodies need) like hummus, guacamole, or homemade salsa!

2. Alcohol

You can look up any weight loss expert, website, guide, or blog, and none of them will suggest alcohol. Alcohol just doesn't support weight loss, which shouldn't be too surprising considering it's obviously not good for you.

Some alcoholic drinks including champagne, vodka, and gin only have 96 calories per serving if you really can't stand staying away. One alcoholic drink to avoid is beer, holding 150 calories in 12 ounces. That wouldn't be so bad, but they are 'empty calories,' meaning they hold no nutritional value. Alcohol also reduces how much fat your body burns, which would be a heavy burden in a diet.

What to drink instead? If you must have alcohol, drink either champagne, vodka, gin, brandy, or rum. Try making fruit juices with small amounts of alcohol, like adding vodka to orange juice to make a Screwdriver. If you can handle the strain, just enjoy some healthy V8 juices.

3. Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners can make people crave sugars and sweets more. Not all the time will it happen, but it's not a risk to take. Besides, there are much more, healthier, options you have.

Also, the point of being on a diet is to eat a little more natural and lose weight doing it. Soda is just as bad. Artificial sweeteners in your diet would ruin the purpose.

Here's what you could drink instead: Club soda or sparkling water. Carbonated drinks make you feel full, but usually, have tons of sugar. Club soda or sparkling water are both carbonated, without all the sugar.

4. White Bread

I know you've heard time and time again that bread (especially white bread) is fattening. Well, it's true. White bread can cause a spike in your blood sugar, which can make you light-headed, or even make you pass out.

Wheat bread contains gluten, which can be bad for you. Gluten-free diets are often seen as healthier but they can make people miss out on needed vitamins, minerals, and fibers. Be to moderate your gluten intake.

What to eat instead of white bread: Ezekiel bread or almond flour bread are your best options. Almond bread does not contain gluten, which would be recommended for those with high gluten intake. Ezekiel bread contains gluten but is seen as one of the healthiest bread options available. However, you should still moderate your intake.

5. Soy Sauce

Last, but certainly not least, is soy sauce. Many people enjoy soy sauce on beans or rice or many other things. But soy sauce contains extreme amounts of sodium

High levels of sodium can cause bloating and increase the risk of hypertension (abnormally high blood pressure).

Here's what to use instead: Coconut aminos. Coconut aminos are both soy-free, and gluten-free. With just 90 milligrams of sodium per serving, (which is MUCH less than regular soy sauce) and contain 17 amino acids, giving it health benefits.