It’s normal to indulge yourself in delicious food once in a while. However, some foods are detrimental to your health and waistline.

They can lead to weight gain, increase your risk of developing various health problems, and lower your cognitive abilities.

30 Foods That Expand the Waist and Shrink the Mind

1. Processed Meat

Processed meat such as sausage, bacon, and deli meat contains high levels of saturated fat and sodium, which can lead to heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure.

These meats also contain nitrates, which have been linked to a decline in cognitive function.

2. Soft Drinks

Soft drinks are high in sugar and calories, which contribute to weight gain and obesity. The excessive sugar intake can also lead to inflammation in the brain, which can impair cognitive function.

3. White Bread

White bread is low in fiber and high in refined carbohydrates, which can cause a spike in blood sugar levels. This spike can lead to weight gain, high blood sugar, and ultimately type 2 diabetes.

The lack of fiber in white bread can also negatively impact gut health and cognitive function.

4. French Fries

French fries are high in calories, fat, and sodium. The high-fat content and high sodium content can lead to weight gain, heart disease, and high blood pressure. The high fat and sodium intake can also impair cognitive function.

5. Ice cream

Ice cream is often loaded with sugar, calories, and fat. Eating too much ice cream can lead to weight gain and obesity. The high sugar content in ice cream can also lead to inflammation in the brain which can impair cognitive function.

6. Fried chicken

Fried chicken is high in calories, fat, and sodium. Eating fried chicken often can lead to heart disease, high blood pressure, and weight gain. The high fat and sodium levels in fried chicken can also impair cognitive function.

7. Donuts

Donuts are high in calories, sugar, and fat, which can lead to weight gain and obesity. The high sugar content in donuts can also lead to inflammation in the brain, which can impair cognitive function.

8. Bacon

Bacon is high in saturated fat and sodium, which can lead to heart disease, high blood pressure, and weight gain. The saturated fat in bacon can also contribute to a decline in cognitive function.

9. Margarine

Margarine is high in trans fats, which can increase your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Trans fats have also been linked to a decline in cognitive function.

10. Candy

Candy is high in sugar, calories, and fat. Eating candy often can lead to weight gain, obesity, and high blood sugar levels. The high sugar levels in candy can also lead to inflammation in the brain, which can impair cognitive function.

11. Energy Drinks

Energy drinks can contain high levels of sugar, caffeine, and other stimulants. These ingredients can contribute to weight gain, heart disease, high blood pressure, and anxiety.

The high levels of caffeine and other stimulants can also negatively impact cognitive function.

12. Pizza

Pizza is often high in calories, fat, and sodium. Eating too much pizza can lead to weight gain, high blood pressure, and heart disease. The high levels of sodium in pizza can also lead to a decline in cognitive function.

13. Canned Soup

Canned soup is often high in sodium, which can contribute to high blood pressure and heart disease. The high levels of sodium in canned soup can also cause cognitive impairment, especially in older adults.

14. White Rice

White rice is low in fiber and high in refined carbohydrates, which can cause a spike in blood sugar levels. This spike can lead to weight gain, high blood sugar levels, and ultimately type 2 diabetes.

The lack of fiber in white rice can also negatively impact gut health and cognitive function.

15. Sugary Cereals

Sugary cereals can be high in sugar and low in fiber. This can lead to a spike in blood sugar levels, weight gain, and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.

The high sugar content in sugary cereals can also lead to inflammation in the brain, which can impair cognitive function.

16. White Sugar

White sugar is high in calories and has no nutritional value. Eating too much white sugar can lead to weight gain, high blood sugar levels, and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.

The high sugar levels in white sugar can also lead to inflammation in the brain, which can impair cognitive function.

17. Hamburgers

Hamburgers are high in calories, fat, and sodium. Eating too many hamburgers can lead to weight gain, heart disease, and high blood pressure. The high levels of sodium in hamburgers can also contribute to a decline in cognitive function.

18. Processed Cheese

Processed cheese is often high in sodium and fat, which can contribute to heart disease, high blood pressure, and weight gain. The high levels of sodium and fat in processed cheese can also impair cognitive function.

19. Fried Foods

Fried foods are often high in calories and fat. Eating too many fried foods can lead to weight gain, heart disease, and high blood pressure. The high levels of fat in fried foods can also contribute to a decline in cognitive function.

20. Hot Dogs

Hot dogs are often high in sodium and fat, which can lead to heart disease, high blood pressure, and weight gain. The high levels of sodium in hot dogs can also contribute to a decline in cognitive function.

21. Alcohol

Excessive alcohol consumption can cause weight gain, liver disease, and high blood pressure. The high levels of alcohol can also negatively impact cognitive function.

22. Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners are often used as a sugar substitute. However, they have been linked to an increased risk of weight gain and obesity. They have also been linked to a decline in cognitive function.

23. Potato Chips

Potato chips are often high in calories, fat, and sodium. Eating too many potato chips can lead to weight gain, heart disease, and high blood pressure. The high levels of sodium in potato chips can also contribute to a decline in cognitive function.

24. White Chocolate

White chocolate is high in sugar and fat. Eating too much white chocolate can lead to weight gain and obesity. The high sugar levels in white chocolate can also lead to inflammation in the brain, which can impair cognitive function.

25. Fruit Juices

Fruit juices are often high in sugar and calories. Drinking too much fruit juice can lead to weight gain, high blood sugar levels, and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.

The high sugar content in fruit juices can also lead to inflammation in the brain, which can impair cognitive function.

26. Artificial Flavors and Colors

Artificial flavors and colors are often used in processed foods. However, they have been linked to a decline in cognitive function, especially in children.

27. Fast Food

Fast food is often high in calories, fat, and sodium. Eating too much fast food can lead to weight gain, heart disease, and high blood pressure. The high levels of sodium in fast food can also contribute to a decline in cognitive function.

28. White Pasta

White pasta is low in fiber and high in refined carbohydrates, which can cause a spike in blood sugar levels. This spike can lead to weight gain, high blood sugar levels, and ultimately type 2 diabetes.

The lack of fiber in white pasta can also negatively impact gut health and cognitive function.

29. Sugary Drinks

Sugary drinks such as soda, sweet tea, and lemonade are high in sugar and calories. Drinking too many sugary drinks can lead to weight gain, high blood sugar levels, and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.

The high sugar content in sugary drinks can also lead to inflammation in the brain, which can impair cognitive function.

30. White Potatoes

White potatoes are often high in calories and low in fiber. Eating too many white potatoes can lead to weight gain, high blood sugar levels, and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.

The high levels of carbs in white potatoes can also contribute to a decline in cognitive function.

Conclusion

The foods we eat can have a significant impact on our overall health, including our weight and cognitive function.

By avoiding or limiting your intake of these 30 foods that expand the waist and shrink the mind, you can improve your health and maintain a healthy weight.