1. Ice cream
Ah, ice cream! When it's time for dessert, it can feel almost impossible to turn down this frozen treat. However, that's exactly what Wen suggests you do if you're watching your waistline. "Ice cream is high in calories and often contains large amounts of added sugar, which can lead to weight gain," she warns, pointing out that "it often contains unhealthy fats as well." And let's be honest, most of us aren't eating plain ice cream, but rather varieties filled with flavors and toppings that make matters even worse. "Many ice cream flavors are loaded with empty calories from syrups and other flavorings," Wen notes. When you consider the fact that all that dairy can cause bloating in many individuals, it may be a good idea to skip this one and trade it for a healthier way to please your sweet tooth.
2. Chips
Few foods are as addicting and deviously delicious as the ever-infamous, salty, crunchy potato chip. Even if you swear you're just going to have a handful as a treat, who can resist sitting down and chowing through a whole bag? Unfortunately (but unsurprisingly) Wen says this snack is as terrible for you as it is tasty. "Many chips are fried in unhealthy oils and coated with salt, making them very high in calories and unhealthy fats," she warns.
But it isn't the fat content alone that makes them so unhealthy. The real problem comes into play when you consider the fact that chips "contain little to no fiber, which can help to keep you feeling full and prevent overeating." Without a good amount of fiber, you'll be much more likely to eat more fattening foods later in the day, which will slow your weight loss progress. Plus, it's no secret that too much sodium can cause uncomfortable bloat.
3. Cookies
If salty snacks like chips aren't your weak spot, you might fall into the camp of those who can't get enough sweet stuff—which is oftentimes just as bad for you, if not worse. Wen cites cookies as one of the worst culprits. "Cookies are often loaded with sugar and white flour, which can cause blood sugar spikes and lead to belly fat storage," she says. And just as with potato chips (and most snacks out there) this sweet treat tends to be very low in fiber. So, just like a bag of chips probably won't tide you over till dinner, a cookie won't either. It's likely you'll either find another unhealthy snack to munch on, or stuff yourself when supper rolls around—both of which can be detrimental to your weight loss goals.
4. Sugary Cereals
Sugary breakfast cereals may be convenient, but they can cause weight gain and disrupt your digestive system. "Most breakfast cereals contain high sugar levels and other artificial, hard-to-pronounce substances," says Dr. McKinney. This high sugar content can upset the balance of bacteria in the gut, leading to inflammation and digestive issues.
And, like any sugary food, your favorite sweet breakfast cereal comes with the risk of unwanted belly fat, too. To avoid these issues, opt for cereals that are low in sugar and high in fiber, such as oats or bran flakes, which are much gentler on the gut and promote better digestion.