This article is based off of Josh Bezoni’s 37 Foods that Fight Belly Fat. Check out the full piece for more detailed information. Today, we’ll summarize some of Josh’s most important points on how to avoid belly-bulging snacks that might be hampering your weight loss goals.
The first thing to look out for is snack foods that appear to be, or are marketed as, healthy choices. Keep in mind that not every “light” or “diet” food is actually better for you. Here are a few red flags that should help you make better choices in the grocery store.
Be wary of “weight loss” drinks that contain loads of sugar or artificial sweeteners. These can be a false panacea that may actually move the scales in the wrong direction. You should also be careful when presented with “sugar-free” anything. Sometimes this means that the product is unsweetened, but in other cases the snack item may contain added artificial sweeteners that you’ll want to think twice about before putting into your body. Another trap that can be easy to fall into is reaching for glorified candy bars masquerading as “energy bars.”
Chips and crackers are amongst the most common foods at parties and gatherings, but they might be getting in the way of your weight loss goals. Look out for hydrogenated oils, high-fructose corn syrup, and enriched flour as ways to disqualify these types of foods from making an appearance at your next shindig.
At the very least, being aware of some of these red flags will go a long way to helping you choose healthy alternatives to some of the most pervasive and unhealthy snack foods.
Don’t forget there are plenty of delicious and healthy alternatives to chips, cookies, and fattening crackers. Next time you’re shopping, try picking up unsalted almonds, pecans, or walnuts as a healthier alternative. If you have a sweet tooth, try some dark chocolate. While you always want to eat chocolate in moderation, choosing chocolate that is in the 70-80% cocoa range should be a good balance of great taste without loading up on extra sugar.
For more tips on avoiding belly-bulging foods, check out Josh Bezoni’s full 37 Foods that Fight Belly Fat.
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