With the approach of Summer, attention to appearance and weight is noticeably increasing, especially since it is the season of events, holidays and light clothing. So many people start looking for quick and effective ways to lose weight, whether through diets, or through tips circulating on social media platforms.
To begin with, it must be admitted that fast and processed foods are becoming increasingly dominant in our diet, and now they make up more than half of the calories we consume. These foods are designed to be quick and easy, and they push us to overeat, which makes them part of our daily routine. But in the long run, refined carbohydrates, added sugars, can lead to weight gain, energy fluctuations, bloating.
So, today is the perfect time to reconsider what we eat, without having to go on a whole new diet, and avoiding the worst weight-loss foods before summer comes can help. As our natural tendency towards lighter meals begins, it is useful to focus on nutrient-rich Whole Foods, which give us long-lasting energy, and make us feel full without loading our bodies with empty calories.
Here are foods, which are recommended to be avoided to lose weight, with healthy alternatives to them:
Sweetened coffee drinks:
They contain cream, condensed milk, and a sugary drink that may make one cup the equivalent of a full meal.
Alternative: choose black coffee with a pinch of cinnamon or natural vanilla, or add unsweetened vegetable milk to reduce calories without compromising taste.
Macaroni and cheese:
One serving contains about 900 calories, and a large amount of saturated fat.
Alternative: try a pasta made from lentils, mix it with seasonal vegetables and olive oil; for a rich taste and saturated fiber.
Fried potatoes:
They are often fried in hydrogenated oils and heavily salted, which makes them an option full of calories and fat.
Alternative: bake potato slices or sweet potatoes with herbs and olive oil, for a healthy and appetizing crunch.
Processed meat:
Like sausages and bacon, they contain preservatives, such as nitrates, and are associated with long-term health risks.
Alternative: replace it with fresh organic meat or vegetable proteins such as beans and lentils, which support heart health and digestion.
Ice cream:
It has a high content of added sugar, artificial flavorings, saturated fats.
Alternative: mix a frozen banana with vanilla or pure cocoa; for a natural, fiber-rich, additive-free iced dessert.
Croissants.. And pastries:
It is usually prepared from white flour and butter, which makes it full of calories, and low in nutritional value.
Alternative: prepare a bread rich in seeds and oats, which you can prepare in advance, store in the freezer.
Ready-made pizza:
One serving of pizza can contain up to 3,700 calories, as well as large amounts of fat and sodium.
Alternative: make homemade pizza using whole grain bread, fresh vegetables, a healthy tomato sauce, and a little cheese.
Donuts.. And biscuits:
They contain hidden sugars and fats, which lead to hyperglycemia, and then rapid hunger after them.
Alternative: choose a homemade muffin with oats, bananas or dates, or have a small piece of dark chocolate with some fruit.
For summer slimness.. Give up these foods now
Fried chicken:
Breaded, fried in deep oil, which doubles the amount of saturated fat.
Alternative: prepare it in the air fryer or oven using almond or oat flour with natural spices, to get a crispy taste without worries.
Traditional lasagna:
It usually contains layers of white pasta and whole fat cheese, which makes it very heavy.
Alternative: use thin slices of honey pumpkin instead of pasta, fill them with organic minced meat and tomato sauce.
Chips and crackers:
Rich in trans fats and salt, it pushes you to eat large portions without feeling full.
Alternative: prepare popcorn with olive oil or dried vegetable slices (such as beets or zucchini) as a crispy and healthy option.