Cutting out obvious culprits of weight gain, such as fast food, processed snacks, and sugary desserts is one thing. Another major factor to consider when working towards your goal weight is the ingredients you put into your meals at home. Sure, a home-cooked meal can be lightyears healthier than one from the drive-thru, and oftentimes even one you’d eat at a sit-down restaurant. However, remember that they’re only as healthy as what you put into them. In addition to adding nutrient-packed, fat-blasting foods to your plate, it’s important to limit your use of certain fattening ingredients. In fact, there are two types of food in particular that experts recommend cutting out if you’re trying to slim down this fall.
We spoke to dietitian Krutika Nanavati to pinpoint a few common culprits of weight gain that are likely lurking in your own kitchen right now. She told us that refined oils and refined grains are some of the biggest offenders. Read on to learn more about why you’re better off without them.
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1. Refined oils
Many recipes call for some type of cooking oil or another. Unfortunately, many of the most common and cheapest options are also inflammatory and can be extremely unhealthy when used too frequently, potentially even resulting in weight gain. Refined oils like vegetable oils are among the worst choices that Nanavati recommends cutting out if you're looking to shed some pounds.
"High-heat cooking oils such as vegetable and sunflower oil can cause inflammation when consumed in excess," she warns. "Consider opting for healthier fats like olive oil or coconut oil instead." Unlike unhealthy fats, options like olive oil can actually come with health benefits for your whole body. So keep your kitchen stocked with that instead!
2. Refined grains
In addition to refined oils, refined grains should be another major red flag to anyone navigating their weight loss journey. Examples include white pastas, white breads, white rice, and more.
"According to health experts, refined grains are one of the worst culprits when it comes to belly fat," Nanavati tells us. "They lack the fiber found in whole grains and lead to rapid spikes in blood sugar, which can cause weight gain, especially around the midsection."
Luckily, there are plenty of health alternatives. She recommends opting for whole grains like brown rice, oats, and quinoa.
The bottom line
Of course, achieving a flat belly will require you to do more than just cut out a few unhealthy ingredients. In addition to switching up your diet, it's important to stick to a good workout routine and implement a number of other healthy habits. However, by limiting your intake of foods like this, you'll already be making great progress.
