Losing weight is a challenging task, and many people struggle to shed off the extra pounds. Consuming healthy and low-calorie snacks is an essential component of any weight loss program.
However, certain snacks can undo all your hard work and sabotage your weight loss goals. In this article, we will discuss 30 snacks that are sabotaging your weight loss and provide suitable alternatives that you can consume instead.
1. Chips
Chips are undeniably delicious but are high in calories, sodium, and unhealthy fats. Opt for baked chips or homemade sweet potato chips instead.
2. Candy Bars
Candy bars are high in refined sugars and unhealthy fats. If you have a sweet tooth, opt for dark chocolate or homemade energy balls made with dates, nuts, and cocoa powder.
3. Ice Cream
Ice cream is a favorite treat for many, but it is high in sugar and saturated fats. Try making your sorbet by blending frozen fruits and yogurt or coconut milk.
4. Doughnuts
Doughnuts are high in calories, sugar, and unhealthy fats. Instead, try energy balls made with rolled oats, almond butter, and honey.
5. French Fries
French fries are high in unhealthy fats and calories. Instead, try roasted veggies or homemade sweet potato fries.
6. Popcorn with Butter
Popcorn with butter is high in unhealthy saturated fats. Instead, try air-popped popcorn with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast or a dash of olive oil.
7. Milk Chocolate
Milk chocolate is high in calories and sugar. Opt for dark chocolate with at least 70% cacao, which is rich in antioxidants and has health benefits.
8. Cakes and Muffins
Cakes and muffins are high in calories and refined sugars. Instead, try making your baked goods with whole grain flour, natural sweeteners, and unsweetened applesauce.
9. Soda and Sports Drinks
Soda and sports drinks are high in sugar and calories. Choose water, herbal tea, or coconut water instead.
10. Granola Bars
Granola bars are often marketed as healthy, but many are high in sugar and calories. Try making your granola bars with oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruits.
11. Cheese and Crackers
Cheese and crackers are high in calories, sodium, and unhealthy fats. Opt for sliced veggies and hummus instead.
12. Fried Chicken Wings
Fried chicken wings are high in calories and unhealthy fats. Try grilled or baked chicken with herbs and spices or veggie kebabs instead.
13. Bacon
Bacon is high in calories, sodium, and unhealthy fats. Try turkey bacon or plant-based alternatives made with tempeh or tofu.
14. Cookies
Cookies are high in calories and refined sugars. Try homemade oatmeal cookies made with natural sweeteners and almond flour.
15. Chocolate-Covered Pretzels
Chocolate-covered pretzels are high in calories, sugar, and unhealthy fats. Opt for fruit and nut bars or trail mix instead.
16. Potato Chips and Dip
Potato chips and dip are high in calories, sodium, and unhealthy fats. Try carrot sticks and hummus or guacamole instead.
17. Popsicles
Popsicles are high in refined sugars and artificial colors. Try making your popsicles with fresh fruit juices and coconut milk or yogurt.
18. White Bread and Jam
White bread and jam are high in calories and refined sugars. Try whole grain toast with avocado or almond butter and fresh berries instead.
19. Beef Jerky
Beef jerky is high in sodium and unhealthy fats. Try roasted chickpeas or edamame for a protein-packed snack.
20. Tacos and Quesadillas
Tacos and quesadillas are high in calories and unhealthy fats. Try lettuce wraps or grilled veggies with guacamole instead.
21. Chocolates with Nuts and Caramel
Chocolates with nuts and caramel are high in calories and sugar. Try homemade chocolate truffles made with dates and cocoa powder instead.
22. Cheeseburgers and Fries
Cheeseburgers and fries are high in calories and unhealthy fats. Try veggie burgers with sweet potato fries or roasted veggies instead.
23. Nachos
Nachos are high in unhealthy fats, sodium, and calories. Try veggie sticks with guacamole or salsa instead.
24. Soda Crackers and Cheese Whiz
Soda crackers and cheese whiz are high in sodium and unhealthy fats. Try rice cakes with hummus and sliced veggies or fruit and nut bars instead.
25. Smoothies with Sugar and Ice-Cream
Smoothies with sugar and ice-cream are high in calories and sugar. Try green smoothies made with veggies, fruit, and almond milk or Greek yogurt.
26. Pastry and Chocolate Croissants
Pastry and chocolate croissants are high in calories and unhealthy fats. Try homemade whole-grain muffins with fresh fruit instead.
27. Salted Nuts
Salted nuts are high in sodium and unhealthy fats. Try unsalted nuts or homemade trail mix with dried fruits.
28. Energy Drinks
Energy drinks are high in sugar and caffeine. Choose green tea or matcha for a natural energy boost.
29. White Rice and Fried Noodles
White rice and fried noodles are high in calories and unhealthy fats. Try brown rice and stir-fried veggies or quinoa salads instead.
30. Marshmallows and S’Mores
Marshmallows and s’mores are high in refined sugars. Try grilled fruit skewers or baked apples with cinnamon and honey instead.