Processed foods are everywhere, and it’s hard to avoid them. They’re convenient, fast, and often cheaper than fresh, whole foods. But even if they save you time and money, they’re not doing your body any favors.

Processed foods are often packed with sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats. Hidden ingredients like preservatives and artificial flavorings make them less nutritious than fresh, whole foods. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the top processed foods that are causing you to gain weight and feel your worst.

1. Soda and Other Sugary Drinks

Soda and other sugary drinks are some of the unhealthiest and most fattening foods out there. A single can of soda contains around 10 teaspoons of sugar, which is more than the daily recommended intake for adults.

Drinking soda regularly can lead to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease, among other health problems. Even so-called “healthy” drinks, like fruit juice and sports drinks, can be just as bad. They may contain natural sugars, but they’re still processed and lacking in important nutrients.

2. Fast Food Burgers and Fries

Fast food burgers and fries may taste good, but they’re also full of calories, unhealthy fats, and sodium. One fast food burger can contain as much as 1,000 calories, which is almost half of what most people should eat in a day.

French fries, meanwhile, are often fried in unhealthy oils and loaded with salt. Eating fast food regularly can lead to weight gain, heart disease, and other health problems.

3. Frozen Meals and Pizza

Frozen meals and pizza seem like convenient options for busy nights, but they’re usually high in sodium, unhealthy fats, and preservatives.

One frozen meal or pizza can contain more than the recommended daily intake of sodium, which can lead to high blood pressure and heart disease. They may also contain hidden sugars and unhealthy oils. Instead of relying on frozen meals and pizza, try preparing meals ahead of time or choosing fresh, whole foods for dinner.

4. Snack Foods

Snack foods like chips, crackers, and cookies are often high in calories, unhealthy fats, and sugar. They’re also lacking in important nutrients like fiber and protein.

Eating too many snack foods can lead to weight gain, high cholesterol, and other health problems. If you need a snack, try reaching for fresh fruit, nuts, or hummus and veggies instead.

5. Breakfast Cereals

Breakfast cereals may seem like a healthy option, but many of them are loaded with sugar and lacking in important nutrients. Some cereals can contain as much as 20 grams of sugar per serving, which is almost as much as a candy bar.

Eating a bowl of sugary cereal for breakfast can lead to a mid-morning crash and leave you feeling hungry and irritable. Instead, choose whole grain cereal with low sugar content, and add fresh fruit for flavor.

6. Processed Meats

Processed meats like bacon, sausage, and deli meat are convenient options for quick meals, but they’re also high in sodium and unhealthy fats.

Even “lean” or “low-fat” meats may be hiding added sugars, preservatives, and other unhealthy additives. Eating too much processed meat can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, and even some types of cancer.

7. Margarine and Other Spreads

Margarine and other spreads are often marketed as healthy alternatives to butter, but they’re usually made with unhealthy oils and other additives. Some spreads contain trans fats, which are particularly bad for your heart health.

Instead of using margarine or spreads, try using heart-healthy options like olive oil or avocados.

8. Canned Soups and Broths

Canned soups and broths may seem like a healthy option, but they’re often high in sodium and lacking in important nutrients.

One serving of canned soup can contain more than 50% of your daily recommended intake of sodium, which can lead to bloating, high blood pressure, and other health problems. Try making your own soup or broth with fresh, whole ingredients.

9. Energy Bars and Drinks

Energy bars and drinks may seem like a healthy option for a quick boost of energy, but they’re often packed with sugar and artificial ingredients. They may also be lacking in important nutrients, like fiber and protein.

Eating too many energy bars or drinking too many energy drinks can lead to weight gain and other health problems.

10. Candy and Sweets

Candy and sweets are obvious culprits when it comes to unhealthy processed foods. They’re often high in sugar and lacking in important nutrients. Eating too much candy and sweets can lead to weight gain, high blood sugar, and other health problems.

If you’re craving something sweet, try a piece of fresh fruit or a small serving of dark chocolate.

Conclusion

Processed foods are all around us, and it’s hard to avoid them. But if you want to maintain a healthy weight and feel your best, it’s important to limit your intake of these unhealthy foods.

Instead, try to eat fresh, whole foods that are packed with nutrients and free from unhealthy additives. Your body will thank you.