4 Snacks To Cut Out Of Your Diet ASAP If You Want A Flatter Belly By Fall

1. Potato Chips

Potato chips are one the most popular—if not the most popular, point blank—snacks out there. They're crunchy, salty, greasy, and, frankly, delicious. However, while they're certainly pleasing to your taste buds, Nanavati says your waistline will tell a different story.

"Potato chips contain extra flavoring, additives, sodium and sugar," she warns. "Out of all the fat causing offenders, potato chips are the worst! Eating potato chips can cause the body to store excess calories as fat because it's high in unhealthy fats and carbohydrates."

Sodium, in particular is one additive that could lead to a range of health complications, including weight gain. "Along with a dangerous amount of sodium, a bag of chips can also be high in trans-fat," Nanavati warns. "Go for healthy snacks like celery or kale chips."

2. French Fries

Next time you pull up to the drive thru for a quick bite, Nanavati urges you to stay away from those deviously delicious French fries. "A typical helping of French fries contains around 430 calories, making it a high calorie food," she tells us. "Made with potatoes and deep fried in oil, French fries are a quick ticket to weight gain." All that oil can have serious consequences on your health and will definitely make it difficult to reach your goal weight this summer.

There are a few other issues at hand, too. "Often eaten along with other junk foods, ketchup and topped sometimes with melted cheese, these also increase your risk of overeating," Nanavati points out. "There are better alternatives like sweet potato fries, crispy green beans or baked potato."

3. Cookies

This one may be hard for those of us who have a serious sweet tooth, but if a smaller waist is what you're after, limiting your intake of sugary foods like cookies is one important step to take.

"No matter how inviting they may seem, if you are looking to lose weight be ready to cut them out," Nanavati says. "A single Oreo cookie contains 52 calories and nobody can have just one! Made by combining butter, eggs, refined flour and artificial flavoring and topped off with unhealthy toppings, these are big offenders."

The high sugar content is perhaps the biggest issue with baked goods like cookies. It's no secret that sugar can take a serious toll on your health and that excessive intake frequently results in weight gain. You're better off sticking to healthier sweet treats instead.

The bottom line

Of course, while limiting your intake of fattening snacks like these is always a good idea for your overall health—especially if you're trying to lose weight—indulging a little bit here and there certainly won't kill you. However, staying away from potato chips, French fries, and cookies is one good way to support healthy weight loss and help your body thrive.