In addition to curating the perfect fat-burning workout routine, making significant changes to your diet is a crucial part of losing weight and achieving the flat tummy of your dreams. And while there are plenty of foods you can add to your plate in order to boost your metabolism, stay satiated, and drop belly fat faster, it’s also important to steer clear of certain unhealthy foods that could be holding you back from your goals. Processed foods and ingredients, in particular, can pose a serious risk to your waistline as well as your overall health. Cutting these out of your diet as much as possible is one of the most important steps to staying on track with your weight loss progress.
To discover a few of the worst processed ingredients that you should consider limiting your intake of as you navigate your weight loss journey, we spoke to nutritionist and personal trainer Mary Sabat. She told us that high-fructose corn syrup and artificial sweeteners are two of the worst culprits of abdominal fat. Learn more about the risks below!
1. High-Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS)
High-fructose corn syrup, or HFCS, is an extremely common ingredient in may processed foods and beverages, including many sodas. Unfortunately, it's also terrible for your health, especially if you're trying to lose weight.
"HFCS is linked to insulin resistance, which can lead to increased fat storage, especially in the abdominal region," Sabat warns. "Additionally, it does not signal fullness in the same way as natural sugars, leading to overeating."
Instead of consuming this sugary ingredient, she recommends opting for natural sweeteners, like honey, maple syrup, or even healthy whole fruits to "satisfy your sweet cravings." Yum!
2. Artificial Sweeteners
Here's another sweet ingredient that could be leading to unwanted belly fat. Although artificial sweeteners may sound healthier than refined sugar, it's actually not much better for you.
"While they are marketed as low-calorie alternatives to sugar, some artificial sweeteners can disrupt the gut microbiota and lead to weight gain, particularly in the abdominal area," Sabat tells us. It's important to remember that your gut health plays an important role in your overall wellness, including your weight. For this reason, limiting your intake of gut-disrupting foods like this one is always a good idea.
If you're looking for a replacement for your artificial sweeteners, there are several natural options to consider. Sabat recommends using stevia or monk fruit extract, "which have fewer adverse effects on metabolism."
The bottom line
Of course, there are many factors that play into your weight. If you really want to lose and prevent abdominal fat as much as possible, it's important to prioritize a balanced diet in addition to a number of other healthy habits. While cutting out these two ingredients is just one small step to take, it's definitely a step in the right direction.
