1. Flavored Yogurt
When you choose the right kind, yogurt can be an incredibly healthy part of your diet. Whether you make a parfait for breakfast or want a quick snack that will keep you full throughout the day, options like high-protein Greek yogurt are fantastic. However, Richards warns that certain varieties can take a toll on your health. It's best to cut out sugary, flavored kinds. "If the yogurt you keep in your refrigerator and consume on a regular basis is full of added sugar and fat then you may experience some positive side effects from giving it up," she tells us. "You will likely experience some weight loss as you remove high fat and sugar heavy food from your diet. You may also have more stable glucose and possibly less inflammation in your body."
Instead, she recommends choosing yogurt that's "high-quality and full of protein with little to no added sugar." At the end of the day, the best rule of thumb is always to take a look at the labels. "Those with high fat, added sugar, and unnecessarily high amounts of sodium can be replaced with plan versions and fresh fruit for sweetening," Richards concludes. Got it!
2. Bottled Salad Dressings
No one wants to eat a dry salad, which is why a good dressing is considered essential. It may even be a staple in your refrigerator. However, Bradley points out that many bottled, store-bought options are terrible for your health, especially if you're trying to lose weight. "Some bottled salad dressings contain a lot of calories, added sugar, sodium-rich preservatives, and saturated fats," he warns, noting that "when you consume too much saturated fat, cholesterol can build up in your arteries and may lead to blockages."
It doesn't stop there, though. The sugar found in your favorite dressing may also lead to more cravings later on. "Consuming t00 much sugar increases your hunger and makes you desire more food, which could result in weight gain." For this reason, "it's best to always look at the food labels before buying bottled salad dressings."
Overall, the same can be said for any item at the grocery store: checking the ingredients and nutrition info before throwing it into your cart is the best way to ensure you're refrigerator is stocked with only the healthiest foods.