Knowing which foods to avoid to lose belly fat should represent a critical portion of any dietary plan. For example, there are certain foods that kill your metabolism while others can cause dramatic changes in blood glucose levels or make you retain water.
Let us therefore examine what foods to avoid to lose belly fat. The team at Spatz3 will then take this advice a step further by providing healthy and tasty alternatives. If you have been struggling to maintain a low body mass index (BMI), the advice recommended below should represent a godsend.
The Ultimate List of Foods to Avoid When Trying to Lose Belly Fat
From processed foods to products containing high levels of artificial ingredients, some of the worst foods for belly fat are also some of the most common. Let’s examine 17 examples in order to better appreciate what to cut out to lose weight.
Ice Cream
What foods cause belly fat? Anyone who answered ice cream is already aware of the risks. Ice cream contains relatively high amounts of processed sugar, fat and carbohydrates.
So, why not enjoy a bowl of all-natural sorbet or a fruit smoothy? Both of these are extremely tasty and smoothies are packed full of vital nutrients.
Soft Drinks such as Soda
As you might have guessed, soda and similar carbonated beverages also contain truly heart-stopping concentrations of sugar as well as empty calories. These drinks will undoubtedly contribute to belly fat and they can often lead to cavities.
Water is always the better alternative, as it is filling and it will also ensure that you remain hydrated throughout the day.
Diet Beverages
While diet sodas might not contain any sugars, they can still be laden with potentially harmful additives, colourings and preservatives. These are particularly concerning if taken in excess.
In the event that you find water bland, thee is nothing wrong with adding a touch of fresh lemon juice or even brewing a pot of green tea. Either way, you will be avoiding the deceptions associated with diet drinks.
French Fries (Chips)
On of the absolute worst foods for weight loss is french fries. Not only are these snacks known for their high levels of saturated fat and cholesterol, but a typical serving equates to hundreds of calories.
As an alternative, you can opt for air-fried potato slices. These will provide you with an ample amount of healthy starches.
Fatty Red Meat
Red meats that are high in fat have been shown to contribute to the amount of visceral fat (fat surrounding the organs) within your midsection.
These are therefore one of the foods to cut out to lose weight. Why not instead enjoy a meal of chicken breast or leverage the omega fatty acids found within a sumptuous fillet of salmon?
Certain Grains
There are also specific grains to avoid for weight loss. Examples include corn, soy and wheat.
The good news is that there are plenty of other options. Grains such as barley, finger millets and brown rice should all be considered.
Refined Fruit Juices
One pervasive myth involves the belief that all fruit juices are healthy. This is not often the case. Processed fruit drinks contain heavy concentrations of sugar as well as a plethora of artificial ingredients. Furthermore, you will not be receiving the amount of fibre present within all-natural beverages.
This is once again when the power of a homemade fruit smoothie comes into play. Feel free to experiment with different formulations according to your personal tastes.
Fruits to Avoid for Weight Loss
Interestingly, some fruits may actually cause you to gain weight. Bananas, avocadoes and blueberries all fall into this category. While you should not eliminate these entirely, it is better to consume them sparingly.
Opt for waist-reducing alternatives including grapefruit, oranges, lemons, kiwis, and pineapples. Your taste buds will not be disappointed and these are also considered to be foods to lose stomach fat (when combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise).
White Bread
Sometimes known as “enriched bread”, this next recommendation ranks high within our list of foods not to eat when trying to lose weight. The excess carbohydrates may contribute to weight gain and the potential presence of gluten can cause other issues such as bloating or indigestion.
Whole wheat bread, oat bread and bread baked with flax are all generally considered to represent much more practical and healthier alternatives.
Microwaveable Meals in General
These are also referred to as “hyperpalatable foods“, as they are often tasty and easy to prepare. However, such benefits come at a cost in terms of salt, calories, unhealthy fats, and artificial preservatives.
It is therefore best to avoid any type of microwaved meal. You might instead consider all-natural prepared meals that offer transparent lists of their ingredients.
Beans
There is no doubt that beans are high in nutrients such as protein and fibre. Unfortunately, these can also be difficult to digest. Some individuals will experience side effects such as cramping and an upset stomach; both of which can make it more difficult to lead an active lifestyle.
Thankfully, leaching beans (soaking them in water before cooking) will remain ingredients such as complex carbohydrates and sugar. This is the best way to avoid potential digestive issues.
Beer
While some of us might enjoy a frothy pint on occasion, beer is yet another one of the high-calorie foods to avoid. Let’s also remember that alcoholic beverages in general can lead to weight gain.
You could instead opt for an alcohol-free beverage of a glass of white wine on occasion. As always, drink in moderation.
Sugary Breakfast Cereals
Ironically, these are billed as “a part of a balanced breakfast”. This is normally not the case considering the sheer amount of sugar, artificial colours and artificial flavours contained within.
This is why tasty low-calorie alternatives such as eggs, Greek yoghurt, citrus fruits, and melons have become popular substitutes.
Refined Pasta
Many types of refined pasta will contribute to weight gain and this is only the beginning. Not only is this one of the foods to avoid to lose belly fat, but enriched pasta has also been linked to heart disease and an elevated risk of developing diabetes.
Opt for whole-grain pasta or ingredients derived from organic sources. You will be happy to learn that the taste is virtually identical.
Baked Goods
These include pastries, cakes, doughnuts, and pre-made desserts. Most baked goods are high in calories as well as fructose; both elements in weight gain.
Healthy alternatives such as all-natural apple-cinnamon cheesecake and brownies made from sweet potatoes are great treats that will leave you coming back for seconds.
Hot Dogs
This final observation should not come as a surprise. Hot dogs are known to contain numerous unhealthy ingredients such as fat, sodium and nitrates. All of these can increase your belly fat.
Turkey sausages and vegan hot dogs are nonetheless some useful substitutes. Still, be sure that the bun has not been made from enriched wheat flour!
Picking a Diet for Healthy Weight Loss
Assuming that you have already made the changes outlined above, be sure to incorporate these dietary tips into your everyday lifestyle:
- Make it a point to count your calories.
- Eat plenty of fresh vegetables.
- Remain hydrated.
- Regularly exercise.
- When in doubt, consult with a nutritionist.
There can still be times when that stubborn belly fat simply will not quit. In this case, make it a point to speak with the team at Spatz3. Our proprietary adjustable gastric balloon will limit your caloric intake and ultimately, help you to obtain the waistline of your dreams.
