Whether you believe it or not, most foods that taste better are always unhealthy. Our brains are programmed to like foods that are easily converted to immediate energy or long term storage in the form of fat. This is why losing weight becomes difficult for people who struggle to avoid such foods and maintain their diet. When trying to lose weight, it is best to reduce or avoid calorie-dense foods. However, the number of calories in a food is not the only factor to consider.
Why does healthy food taste bland?
Before you start blaming healthy food for tasting bland, you must realise that your taste buds have dulled because of all the extra strong artificial flavours and sweeteners in processed foods. Even whole foods have their own unique flavour but our taste buds have become desensitised which is why we find them boring to eat. Healthy food may taste bland because it lacks the sugar, fat, and salt that make the food taste good overall but make it less healthy.
Foods to avoid while dieting
Even if you exercise regularly, you won’t be able to lose weight if you have high-calorie foods. Your dreams of losing weight will stay impossible if you continue having unhealthy food. Here is the list of foods high in calories to avoid when on a weight loss journey:
- Deep-fried foods
Foods like french fries, onion rings and fried chicken need to be cooked in large amounts of oil. Since oil contains fat, it increases the amount of calories. And don’t forget, fats are the least filling and the most energy-dense macronutrient. Deep frying food can create trans fats which can be difficult for the body to digest. It can also lead to the formation of acrylamide, a chemical that is formed naturally when some foods are cooked at high temperatures such as by frying, roasting, baking, grilling and toasting.
- Ultra-processed food
Ultra-processed foods include ice cream, ham, sausages, breakfast cereals, biscuits, carbonated drinks, instant soups, and even some alcoholic drinks. They contain high amounts of unhealthy fats and salt while lacking any beneficial nutrients. Research has proven that a diet high in ultra-processed food increases the risk of obesity as well as health issues such as heart disease, dementia, type 2 diabetes, and cancer.
- Baked goods
Baked goods including cakes, cookies, pastries, and muffins contain many refined sugars, unhealthy fats, and empty calories. They may tickle your sweet tooth, but they have little to nothing to offer when it comes to nutrition. Refined carbohydrates, which can be found in most baked goods, are metabolised quickly and may make you feel hungry very soon, thereby making you likely to eat much more than you should. Instead, you can opt for fruits, whole grains, or nuts to suppress your cravings.
- Sugary drinks
Sugary drinks are drinks that contain high sugar and calories, having almost no nutritional value otherwise, such as: soft drinks, sweetened teas, juices, or sports drinks. Sugary drinks have also been found to increase the risk of cardiovascular conditions and lead to weight gain through research. Also, you'll consume less when you feel satisfied during a meal. This will reduce your nutrient intake as well.
- Alcohol
Alcohol contains about 7 calories per gram. Though it isn’t filling, it can cause you to eat more which can lead to unhealthy eating habits. Research links drinking more than the recommended amount to overweight and obesity, as well as many other health conditions.
How EatRight helps you avoid foods during dieting
Dieting should exclude those products rich in refined sugars, unhealthy fats, and empty calories because these foods can undo your work. All baked goods, sugary drinks, fried snacks, processed meats, and fast foods add unnecessary calories; however, these add to energy crashes and cravings. Many of these lack the necessary nutrients the body needs to feel satisfied and energised throughout the day.
RightLife's EatRight program can guide you through these dietary challenges with comprehensive meal planning and healthy recipe ideas instead of relying on junk food or desserts that might derail your weight loss efforts. EatRight offers healthy and well-balanced meal plans according to your goals. Such plans focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods like lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables so that you don't miss those nutrients, but avoid excess calories.
Additionally, the program offers workshops and resources on food as medicine, teaching you how to make smarter choices that align with your health and weight loss goals. EatRight helps curb cravings by suggesting healthier alternatives and recipes that are easy to prepare, so you’re less tempted to reach for unhealthy options.
That’s all you need to know on the foods to avoid while dieting. When you are trying to lose weight, it is important that you keep an eye on what you are eating and what nutritional value it has. Remember, the quality of the food is just as important as the quantity you have. Join RightLife today to experience a guilt-free weight loss journey.
