Snacking has become an integral part of modern eating habits, offering quick bites between meals. While snacks can be a convenient source of energy, it’s essential to be mindful of the choices we make. Unhealthy snacks, often high in refined sugars, saturated fats, and empty calories, can contribute to weight gain and adverse health effects. As we enter 2024, it’s a prime opportunity to reassess our snack choices and consider ditching those that hinder our health goals.
We spoke with Dr. Hector Perez; and Joann Wen, founder of Spices & Greens, to learn about four surprising snacks you should get rid of this upcoming year for a healthier you. They revealed that sadly, snacks such as donuts, chips, ice cream, and cookies are the ones you should say goodbye to.
Donuts
While these sugary, deep-fried delights may be tempting, they are often loaded with refined sugars and unhealthy fats, contributing to empty calories without providing substantial nutritional benefits.
"Donuts are made from processed white flour and deep-fried in unhealthy oil," Dr. Perez warns. "On top of that, they are usually drenched in all sorts of sugary and fatty toppings like glazes, sprinkles, chocolate chips, etc. All this makes them a shocking source of calories, trans fats, and sugar—all of which can contribute to weight gain in the waist area (and any other area!)."
Chips
Another item that might warrant a second thought is the classic potato chip. While these crispy snacks are undeniably tempting, they often come with a downside. Potato chips are typically high in unhealthy trans fats, sodium, and calories, posing risks to heart health and overall well-being.
"They're very easy to overindulge in, and unfortunately, they’re an unhealthy source of empty calories," Dr. Perez tells us. He also notes that they "can lead to bloating and water retention."
Ice Cream
Despite its delicious taste, many commercial ice creams are loaded with added sugars and saturated fats, contributing to excess calorie intake and potential health issues. Opting to cut back on ice cream consumption in the coming year can be a positive step toward cultivating healthier dietary habits.
"Ice cream is high in calories and often contains large amounts of added sugar, which can lead to weight gain. Many ice cream flavors are loaded with empty calories from syrups and other flavorings," Wen notes.
Cookies
Despite their irresistible taste, many cookies are laden with refined sugars, unhealthy fats, and empty calories, contributing to potential weight gain and adverse health effects. Choosing to reduce or eliminate cookie consumption in 2024 can be a smart choice toward fostering healthier snacking habits.
"Cookies are often loaded with sugar and white flour, which can cause blood sugar spikes and lead to belly fat storage," Wen says.
Seeking out alternatives such as homemade or healthier versions with reduced sugar and whole ingredients can still satisfy the sweet cravings while aligning with our aspirations for improved well-being in 2024.
