There’s no denying that fried foods are delicious. However, there’s also no denying that they’re some of the worst foods you can eat if you’re trying to lose weight. Although tasty and famously difficult to resist, your favorite fried snacks are typically packed with unhealthy ingredients like trans fats and processed carbs—not to mention an astounding amount of empty calories. While it’s best to avoid anything fried or breaded if you’re trying to lose some pounds, health experts warn against a few in particular.
To discover some of the worst fried foods out there that can lead to inflammation and weight gain, we spoke to experts Catherine Gervacio, Registered Dietician and nutrition writer for Living.Fit, and Lisa Richards, nutritionist and creator of The Candida Diet. They said French fries and mozzarella sticks are two you should avoid at all costs.
Fast Food French Fries
It shouldn't come as a surprise to hear that those tasty, salty French fries from your favorite fast food joint are terrible for your health. Although they may satisfy your taste buds, Gervacio warns that this popular fried side can take a serious toll on your body and should especially be avoided if you're trying to lose weight. "Not only are [French fries] high in fat—they are empty calorie foods, which means they don't contain substantial nutrients, they only give calories, which won't be helpful for weight management and health in general," she warns.
In short, this menu item will pack in a ton of calories without providing ample nutrients or satiation, which not only means they can ruin your metabolism over time, but also that you're more likely to get hungry again and eat more later in the day. Additionally, Gervacio notes that most fast food French fries contain high amounts of trans fat, which can cause and worsen inflammation, only making matters worse as far as your health and weight loss efforts go.
If you want to enjoy a crispy potato snack without ruining your body, she suggests cooking up your own version of French fries at home. "Bake your own potatoes and make them crispy. Air fryers can also be considered to lessen fat intake. It may be even better than fast-food French fries," Gervacio says. Why not give it a shot?!
Mozzarella Sticks
Okay, so French fries are a definite no-go, but there's another fried food that may be even worse for you. Richards tells us that the ever-popular, cheesy mozzarella sticks are one more snack that should be avoided at all costs if you care about your health. The combination of fried carbs and cheese is a wellness nightmare. "This appetizer is one of the worst for your metabolism because it contains a significant amount of calories and fat along with the inflammatory nature of the ingredients," she warns.
In addition to all those dairy and carbs, gluten is another major culprit present in this deviously delicious food. Richards notes that gluten is "inflammatory and can lead to bloating and weight gain" in many people, possibly thwarting your weight loss efforts. Overall, Richards concludes that any fried foods are "simply unnecessary and can be avoided." Instead, stick to healthy snacks that make your body feel (and look!) great.
