It’s no secret that the best tasting food items are also the ones that cause people to gain weight. Below we’ll explore the top 10 worst foods that make you gain weight:
Fried Potato Products
While French fries and potato chips may taste delicious these products are exceptionally bad for individuals looking to lose weight. A recent study at Harvard University showed that people who ate potatoes in any form on a daily basis gained an additional pound per year. Not only do potatoes lead to a quick spike in blood sugar levels but also they are often fried in high fat oils that wreak havoc on the body.
Deli Meats
Nothing is easier than making a quick sandwich from meat purchased at the supermarket deli counter. However, processed deli meats are produced with additional fat that allows for it to be stored for longer periods of time. The higher saturated fat content leads to additional calories that lead to weight gain. Meats such as salami and pastrami are extremely high in sodium and saturated fat. While eating deli meat once or twice is not likely to lead to significant weight gain, these products should not be consumed on a daily basis.
Soda and Energy Drinks
Nothing tastes better than a sweet and refreshing soda or an electrolyte boosting Gatorade; however, these drinks contain a high amount of sugar and unnecessary calories. Furthermore, soda and energy drinks contain empty calories and an excessive amount of sugar that leads to immediate weight gain. Additionally, diet sodas contain artificial sugars that have been linked to numerous medical conditions. Furthermore, many individuals have compensated for zero calorie sodas by consuming more food that can ultimately lead to a higher caloric intake.
Refined Grains
Refined grains are most commonly found in white bread or similar starchy food items. Refined grains contain very little nutrients and lack needed vitamins and fibers. Additionally, eating foods containing refined grains cause blood sugar levels to increase for a short period of time. This sudden increase in blood sugar can lead to people becoming hungry and consuming more food. An alternative to refined grains is opting for bread or other food products that have been produced with whole grains.
Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise may be everyone’s favorite sandwich condiment; however, a single serving contains almost 80 grams of fat. While some fat is necessary for a healthy diet, the fat contained in mayonnaise leads straight to a person’s gut. Using mayonnaise is the quickest way to increase both calories and unhealthy fats. Instead of mayonnaise, opt for mustard as a sandwich spread. For dishes such as coleslaws and chicken salad substitute the mayo with low fat yogurt mixed with lemon.
Ice Cream
Ice Cream may be your favorite summertime treat; however, daily consumption of these tasty products can lead to immediate weight loss. Not only does ice cream contain heavy cream, but also egg yolks and sugar that combine for a high number of calories. Once you mix in toppings or candy and ice cream can ruin anyone’s weight loss plan.
Chocolate and Candy
Chocolate and candy may taste delicious; however, they contain a high amount of fat, sugar and calories with little nutritional benefits. However, chocolate does not have to be avoided completely and when you get a craving opt for a dark chocolate bar with the highest amount of cocoa content possible.
Fried Food
Fried food may be delicious; however, it is also a surefire way to gain weight. Not only are fried foods fatty to begin with, but also when placed in a deep fryer with oil they become a heart attack waiting to happen.
Fast Food
For people on the go, fast food is an inexpensive and easy option for mealtime. Unfortunately the high content of fat, refined grains, processed meat and high fat cheese make fast food a dieter’s nightmare. Additionally, the extra condiments, sauces, milkshakes and deserts make fast food one of the worst foods to gain weight.
Butter and Lard
Butter makes anything taste better; however, butter leads directly to weight gain. As a pure fat food, butter contains an enormous number of calories in a very small serving size. In fact, one tablespoon of butter contains 100 calories.
About Author : Daniel is a fitness expert who shares his knowledge at JackedGorilla.Com, a website that contains unique information about bodybuilding supplements, weight loss and health.
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