Trying to lose weight can be tough, especially when you have to give up your favorite foods. However, if you want to get rid of visceral fat and achieve a fitter body, there are some foods you should avoid. Not only can they lead to excessive body fat, but they can also harm your overall health.
Our Medical Expert Board member, Lisa Young, Ph.D., RDN, who is a nutritionist in private practice and author of Finally Full, Finally Slim, shares four of the worst foods you need to avoid if you want to lose weight.
1) Refined Carbohydrates
To lose visceral fat, one of the worst foods you should avoid is white bread, pasta, and rice, according to Lisa Young, Ph.D., RDN, a nutritionist in private practice and a member of our Medical Expert Board.
Refined carbs, such as these, are high in carbohydrates, which can spike blood sugar levels and easily be stored as sugar, explains Young. Additionally, these foods have gone through processing that removes fiber and other nutrients, leading to negative health effects.
2) Processed Meats
To achieve a leaner physique, it's time to cut back on processed meats such as bacon, sausages, and hot dogs. Even the fancier options like prosciutto and salami should be avoided, according to nutrition expert Lisa Young.
These meats contain "sneaky ingredients" that offer no health benefits and may contain chemical preservatives. Preserved by salting, smoking, or curing, processed meats contribute to belly fat and increase the risk of cancer, as highlighted by MD Anderson Cancer Center. So, the next time you're out for breakfast or indulging in a charcuterie board, it's best to skip the processed meats.
3) Fried Foods
According to nutritionist Lisa Young, Ph.D., RDN, your go-to fried foods like fried chicken, egg rolls, onion rings, and French fries are loaded with unhealthy fats such as saturated and trans fats. Consuming these types of foods will not only contribute to belly fat gain, but they are also high in calories due to the excessive amount of oil required to fry them. Similar to refined carbohydrates, fried foods break down into sugar and get stored as visceral fat in and around the abdomen.
4) Ice Cream
If you're looking to shed some visceral fat, it's important to avoid certain foods, including ice cream, according to Lisa Young, Ph.D., RDN, author of Finally Full, Finally Slim, a nutritionist in private practice, and a member of our Medical Expert Board.
Young explains that ice cream is loaded with unhealthy fats, sugar, and calories that can all contribute to visceral fat gain. Additionally, many ice cream brands contain artificial flavors, sweeteners, and preservatives, which can also be harmful to your health. So, if you're serious about losing visceral fat, it's best to skip the cookie dough ice cream and opt for healthier dessert options.