People overeat and gain weight for many reasons. One major cause is eating too many calories. food, health, nutrition, weight loss, food, health, nutrition, weight loss, food
That being said, certain foods are more problematic than others, including processed foods high in added fat, sugar, and salt.
Here’s a list of 5 foods that are highly fattening.
Soda
Sugary soda may just be the most fattening thing you can put into your body.
Sugar-sweetened drinks don’t provide essential nutrients and add many empty calories to your diet.
Studies show that people who drink sugary soda are much more likely to gain weight than people who don’t.
One study found that people who drank soda on top of their normal diet consumed 17% more calories. Over time, this could easily lead to significant weight gain.
Drinking soda may not only increase your risk of obesity but also type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
SUMMARY
Sugary soda adds no essential nutrients to your diet, just empty calories. People who drink soda are much more likely to gain weight.
Takeaway pizza
Commercially prepared pizzas are one of the most popular junk foods, especially among young people and kids.
Pizzas are usually very tasty but high in fat, refined carbs, and calories.
Some of the most popular varieties are also made with large amounts of cheese and processed meat.
Processed meats are meats that have been cured, salted, or smoked.
A high intake of these meats has been linked to obesity and an increased risk of adverse health conditions like heart disease and some cancers.
However, not all pizza is created equal.
If you love pizza, try to find a pizzeria that uses healthier ingredients, such as vegetables and whole-grain dough. You can also make your own pizza at home.
SUMMARY
Commercially prepared pizza can be loaded with calories and processed meats. Try choosing pizza made with healthier ingredients or make your own at home.
Cookies and doughnuts
Cookies and doughnuts contain high amounts of sugar, refined flour, and added fats.
They can be extremely high in calories. To keep your weight in check, you should limit your intake.
When cravings strike, go for a small, single serving, not a giant cookie or a whole pack of little ones.
This can help you enjoy a treat and limit the excess calories and sugar you consume.
Also, an average medium-sized doughnut may contain over 200 calories. Some glazed varieties pack more than 300 calories.
For optimal health and weight, doughnuts should be avoided as much as possible.
SUMMARY
Cookies and doughnuts are high-calorie, high-sugar foods. If you choose to eat them, keep your portions small.
French fries and potato chips
French fries are a popular choice of snack or side, particularly when eating out.
However, the average serving (5 ounces or 139 grams) typically contains about 427 calories, making them a high-calorie food.
Most commercial French fries are also high in fat and salt, increasing your risk of overeating.
What’s more, they often accompany other junk foods and are commonly eaten with high-sugar sauces like ketchup.
This means you’re eating a very high number of calories in one sitting, which can lead to weight gain. In fact, several studies link eating French fries to weight gain.
Like French fries, potato chips are very high in fat, refined carbs, and salt.
They have also been associated with weight gain in observational studies. One study even found them to be the food most likely to cause weight gain.
Boiling or baking potatoes is much healthier.
SUMMARY
French fries and potato chips are very high in added fats, refined carbs, and salt. Studies link both foods to weight gain.
Peanut butter
Moderate amounts of peanut butter can be healthy.
This is particularly true if it’s only made with wholesome ingredients like roasted and ground peanuts and a little salt.
In fact, eating nuts and peanuts has been linked to reduced weight and better health.
However, commercially prepared peanut butter often contains added sugar, hydrogenated vegetable oils, and a lot of salt, making it rather unhealthy.
Peanut butter is also extremely high in calories and very easy for some people to overeat.
If you can limit your intake, including peanut butter in your diet shouldn’t be a problem. However, if you struggle to control your portions, then you may need to avoid it.
SUMMARY
Most commercially made peanut butter contains added sugars and fats. It can easily make you gain weight if eaten in excess.
