7 Foods You Should Get Rid of for a Healthy Lifestyle
Food can be great and healthy, but if you’re looking to have healthier eating habits and lifestyle, there are certain foods that you should get rid of from your life. They might not seem like bad food at first, but these 7 unhealthy foods might just be making you sick and causing damage to your health in the long run. Here’s what you should get rid of for a healthier lifestyle.
Healthier Eating Habits
If you’re hoping to improve your diet, start by eliminating these 7 foods from your life. These seven foods are popular yet unhealthy choices, and they can be replaced with better alternatives that won’t sabotage your weight-loss efforts. Read on to learn more about which foods you should banish, and what food swaps to make instead.
Foods For Healthy Lifestyle
The first step to improving your diet is eliminating foods that are bad for you. There are certain types of food that will make it harder to lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Healthy Habits Food
When it comes to what we eat, there’s plenty of disagreement about what constitutes healthy habits food. Is it fresh or frozen? Organic or conventional? Antibiotic-free or hormone-filled? Some people swear by Paleo, while others prefer keto. One person’s health hack is another person’s dietary disaster. So, how do you know which diet choices are actually healthier in the long run and which ones will leave you feeling less than stellar?
1) Refined Sugar
Refined sugar has been stripped of its nutrients, including many minerals and vitamins. If you’re going to indulge in something sweet, it’s better to eat an apple than an iced cinnamon roll—and even that might be too much if you’re trying to lose weight. Cravings will be nearly impossible to kick if you’re not consuming enough nutrients, so try getting more whole foods in your diet and less processed food.
2) Processed Food
Just as it sounds, processed food is any food that’s been changed in some way from its original state. In simple terms, if you can’t find an ingredient on a packaged food label, chances are that it’s been processed. The downsides to eating processed foods include added sugar and sodium—two things that are linked to higher rates of obesity and other diseases.
3) Refined Flour
Don’t be fooled by white breads, pastas, and baked goods that are labeled whole wheat. Whole wheat is still whole grain (and a better choice than their refined counterparts), but whole wheat flour has been stripped of its bran and germ, so it doesn’t offer as many nutrients or health benefits as products made with just whole grains. When choosing baked goods, opt for products labeled 100% whole wheat flour instead.
4) Artificial Sweeteners
These sugar-free sweeteners, such as sucralose and aspartame, may be calorie-free but they aren’t diet-friendly. Although some people have no problem with them (and hey, if it gets you to cut down on sugar), artificial sweeteners are linked to an increased risk of weight gain. Plus, there’s some evidence that these sweeteners can reduce your body’s ability to regulate blood sugar and insulin levels.
5) Processed Meat
Processed meat includes bacon, hot dogs, sausage, and other products made from processed red meat. The problem with processed meats is that they’re high in sodium—and too much sodium in your diet can raise blood pressure levels. It can also increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. According to research from Harvard University, eating two servings of processed meat every day may significantly increase your risk of premature death by up to 50 percent.
6) Gluten and Dairy
Gluten is a protein found in grains such as wheat, rye, and barley. It’s often added to foods without labeling to improve their texture and as an extra protein source. Although some people don’t experience adverse effects from gluten, it can contribute to bloating and digestive discomfort when consumed by sensitive individuals. Dairy products also cause problems for many—especially those who are lactose intolerant or vegan—and should be eliminated if you’re hoping to create a healthier lifestyle.
7) Fizzy Drinks
Fizzy drinks and carbonated beverages (sodas) are full of sugar, which can cause you to crave more sugary foods, affecting your overall diet. Cutting out fizzy drinks is one healthy habit that will help you avoid excess calories. Switching to water or sparkling water can help with weight loss.
