10 foods to avoid if you are overweight or obese

If you find yourself craving junk food and sugary delights way too often, then it's high time to limit your dietary habits as it can drag you to the viscous cycle of 'Obesity' –a serious condition in which your body mass is not in proportion to your height and can lead to severe health complications.

An obese person is prone to several life threatening diseases such as diabetes, heart stroke and even various types of cancer. When your body mass is disproportionate, you tend to become more lazy and lethargic, which also hampers your mental health.

Obesity is an increasing issue these days, especially in the modern fast-paced world, where people don’t have time to pay attention to their food habits and lifestyle. Lazing around, binge eating your favorite foods and drinking without any physical exercise can be one of the main reasons behind gaining excess weight. Sometimes unknowingly or knowingly, we consume certain food items that contain a lot of calories and can be really dangerous for health.

Therefore, limiting these foods can actually help you in holistically improving your health.

Here is a list of food items that you should definitely avoid in order to limit your calorie count.

1. Junk foods:

It is not a big revelation that junk foods are unhealthy- everyone is aware of the fact that deep fried, processed and oily junk foods can cause damage to your entire system. Your all-time favourite pizzas, burgers and crispy fries are loaded with cheese, salt and oil, which eventually disturb your body’s balance and makes you obese.

2. Milk chocolate:

Milk chocolates are loaded with sugar to make it more delightful and tasty. The calorie count of these chocolates become really high due to the deadly combination of sugar and milk. Both of these processed ingredients are high on calories and can be really unhealthy, if not consumed in proportion.

3. High-calorie hot beverages:

A steaming cup of tea or coffee is loved by all. Generally, we tend to consume a minimum of 3-4 cups of these beverages in a day to keep ourselves going. Have you ever wondered how much sugar you are putting in? Even if you are putting just a spoonful of sugar, the combination of everything makes up for a large number of calories. Try to avoid sugar completely or limit your portion when having a hot drink.

4. Candy bars:

Candy bars are a big no-no for anyone who wants to take good care of their health. These tempting bars do not only look appealing but are exceedingly high in calories. They are coated and filled with sugar to amplify the taste and we all know that too much sugar in any type in your diet can lead to dental cavities, weight gain and overall poor nutrition- especially if the sugary foods are taking the place of foods containing nutrients and vitamins.

5. Sugary drinks:

Everyone’s favorite fizzy and aerated drinks are loved and consumed by all! Youngsters are particularly drawn to these flavoured drinks as an accompaniment to most junk foods. But these fizzy cold-drinks are filled with a lot of sugar to make it tasty and addictive. Soft drinks are very high in sugar and kilojoules, and provide no nutritional value other than fluid- which a simple glass of water can provide.

6. Packaged juices:

Try to consume fresh juice over packaged, processed ones always. Packaged juices contain added sugar, and preservatives to increase their shelf life and enhance the taste. The juices that come with 100% natural tags are also not a healthy option. Therefore, if you want to enjoy the benefits of fruit juice, it is always better to drink freshly squeezed juice.

7. White bread:

White bread is high on the glycemic index and therefore raises blood glucose levels higher and quicker than most other foods. It is also packed with processed carbohydrates and when paired with the surplus sugar in your bloodstream is stored as fat in the body. Opt for whole-grain varieties instead which carry with it, a dose of healthy fiber and protein.

8. Jams & spreads:

Just like the packaged juices, packaged and processed jams & spreads are also loaded with preservatives and sugars. Therefore, the consumption of these condiments can elevate your blood sugar level. Over-consumption of jams and sandwich spreads, endorsed with the tags of 'filled with the goodness of fruits' or 'zero fat' can actually lead to a surge in your weight.

9. Ice-cream:

This delicious cold dessert is everyone’s weakness- it is really difficult to resist a creamy Belgian chocolate scoop! But ice-creams are a store-house of rich cream and sugar, both of which are not advised for our health. Try to limit the consumption of ice-creams, if you are trying to shed those extra kilos.

10. Processed meat:

As white meats like chicken and fish are advised for a healthy body, processed meats or frozen meat are always better to avoid. Especially, red meat like lamb and beef can cause more harm than good. Try to always consume fresh meat over canned or frozen meat products such as hot dogs, sausages, and luncheon meats.

Adapted From: Times of India