It might be hard to focus on your diet, but it’s not impossible. Whether you had a really long, tiring, stressful or just plain freezing cold day, here are 10 foods/drinks you should work harder to avoid throughout your day:
1. Coffee Drinks - Though coffee has a reputation for providing you with energy, it also has its downsides, one of which is triggering weight gain. Drinking a specialty coffee from Starbucks may sound delicious, but this sugary drink can really pack on the pounds. A venti caramel macchiato contains 312 calories and 11 grams of fat! If you really need a morning boost, try some tea or regular coffee with skim milk.
2. Fast Food- The dangers of fast food cannot be understated, as the world's population is increasingly becoming overweight. Foods that are processed and made into what can best be described as “ready meals” often contain few, if any nutritional ingredients. For instance, French fries from any of the major chains contain 25 grams of fat and 540 calories. They are bulked out with breadcrumbs, corn flour, processed potatoes, processed eggs and milk, hydrogenated vegetable oil, saturated fats, gums, and sugar substitutes. So unless you want to super-size yourself, it's best to make a clean break with fried foods.
3. Canned Soups - The average cup of soup has at least 1,000 milligrams of salt! That is more salt than you're supposed to eat in an entire day. All in one can! But that’s not the worst of it. Most soups contain artificial preservatives such as MSG (Monosodium glutamate) that are harmful to your health. Canned soups can be extra harmful to those with high blood pressure and heart disease, so skip on the canned soups or look for low sodium on the label.
4. Soda - Soda contains 10 teaspoons of sugar and 150 calories, high enough to raise your blood sugar levels to dangerous highs upon drinking them. Not to mention these calories are completely empty and contribute to obesity and diabetes. Replace soda with iced, water or even juice (in limited amounts).
5. Processed Breads - Processed bread is treated with a variety of chemicals that remove any beneficial nutrients. As you digest these, “hidden ingredients”
6. Sugary Cereal - Cereals like Fruit Loops, Corn Pops, and Fruity Pebbles are among some of the most highly processed cereals on the market. They also contain an average of 40 percent sugar per serving! Steer clear of these by switching to granola or oatmeal in the mornings.
7.Processed Meats - Basically, any type of meat that's not in its original form and has had seasonings and chemicals added are considered processed meat – for example, hotdogs. Processed meats are full of sodium and nitrates plus a host of other additives that have raised some health concerns. Stick to fresh, lean meats in moderation throughout your day.
8. Cheese - Cheese is a wonderful source of protein, calcium and phosphorus, but it's also a major source of saturated fat - up to 10 grams of fat per serving! Plus, 120 calories is just too much for one ounce of cheese. If you are going to indulge, limit yourself to one serving a day.
9. Doughnuts - Doughnuts are fried and full of sugar and white flour and loads of trans-fat. Store-bought doughnuts are made up of about 35 percent to 40 percent trans-fat. An average doughnut will give you about 200 to 300 calories, mostly from sugar, and few other nutrients. Avoid doughnuts at all costs! If need to fulfill a sweet craving grab some fruit.
10. Bacon - Bacon may be delicious, but it contains 10 grams of fat and up to 120 calories. Nutritionally speaking, it is high in sodium and has a moderate amount of saturated fat, but the thing you have to watch out for when it comes to bacon is the nitrates. Try skipping out on the bacon next time you sit down for an egg or omelet breakfast.
These bad news foods may promise comfort and pleasure but they are sure to deliver misery in the form of health risks such as heart disease and obesity. Although having just a little of these items may not be disastrous in itself, avoiding them in your diet will increase your overall health.
