When it comes to losing weight, most people know the golden rule: you need to be in a calorie deficit. But according to weight loss coach Jenna Rizzo Kerem, certain “healthy” foods that seem harmless might actually make shedding pounds much harder than it needs to be.
In a recent Instagram Reel, Kerem—who’s been a weight loss coach for nearly seven years—broke down the top five foods that can secretly stall progress, especially when eaten in excess. “If you love these foods, more power to you,” she said. “But these are the ones I’ve seen over and over again make weight loss way harder.”
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1. Restaurant Salads
While a salad might sound like a safe choice, Kerem warned that most restaurant versions are loaded with hidden calories. “The majority of restaurant salads are piled with cheese, bacon, egg, fried chicken, tortilla strips, and tons of dressing,” she explained. “Take one from The Cheesecake Factory—it can have 1,500 calories in just one salad.” Instead, she suggests ordering a lean protein like grilled chicken, salmon, or steak with veggies and a baked potato for a more balanced meal.
2. Protein and Granola Bars
Not all bars are created equal. “Protein bars can be almost 300 calories for just one bar—which is basically a meal,” Kerem noted. Meanwhile, granola bars are often “just sugar and carbs with nothing to keep you full.” If you eat one and find yourself hungry again 30 minutes later, this could be why.
3. Dried Fruit
Dried fruit may seem like a smart snack, but Kerem says it’s deceptive. “You’re way better off eating fresh fruit,” she explained. “Think about how small a prune is—you could easily eat 10 to 15, but you’d never eat 10 to 15 plums in one sitting.” The calorie content doesn’t shrink when the fruit does, which can make it easy to overeat.
4. Non-Greek Yogurts
According to Kerem, most non-Greek yogurt brands are “sugar bombs.” They’re low in protein and don’t do much to keep you satisfied. She recommends sticking with Greek yogurt for its higher protein content, which can help curb cravings and support muscle retention during weight loss.
5. Pre-Made Smoothies
Finally, Kerem cautioned against store-bought smoothies. “Our food is just so sugary, and these are no different,” she said. One example she gave—Bolt House smoothies—can contain around 50 grams of sugar and barely any protein or fat. Her advice? Make your smoothies at home. “Add a scoop of protein powder and a little nut butter to help balance blood sugar and keep you full longer.”
The Bottom Line
Kerem’s message is simple: weight loss doesn’t have to be complicated—but it does require awareness. Even foods marketed as “healthy” can work against your goals if they’re loaded with hidden sugars and calories. “It’s your life, do what works for you,” she added. “But being mindful about these choices can make fat loss a whole lot easier.”
