Snacks can be a great part of a healthy diet. When it’s not quite lunchtime yet but your stomach is starting to grumble, there’s nothing wrong with grabbing a quick bite to tide you over. However, choosing healthy snacks is crucial. The wrong snacks can certainly be detrimental to your overall health and could seriously thwart your wellness goals, especially if you’re trying to lose weight. For this reason, being aware of some of the worst options out there is always helpful.
To discover two processed snacks that may be putting your dream body at risk by adding extra pounds to the picture, we spoke to bariatric surgeon Dr. Hector Perez from Bariatric Journal. He told us that donuts and chips are a few of the worst options. Learn more about the risks of each below.
1. Donuts
While it's probably not surprising to hear that donuts are never a good idea for your health, it's important to remember just how bad they can be for your weight. This is due to a combination of many factors, from the fact that they're fried to all that sugar that they pack in, which can lead to serious health risks.
"Doughnuts 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!)."
Next time your sweet tooth strikes, instead of reaching for a donut, he recommends choosing a naturally sweetened smoothie. "A healthy alternative could be a homemade protein-packed smoothie made with fruits and vegetables, nuts, and almond milk," he says. "You can still get the sweetness you're craving, but without the added calories." Yum!
2. Chips
We've probably all fallen victim to the pull of deviously delicious chips before. However, while there are a few healthy choices out there, most of the potato chips you'll find at the grocery store are highly processed and terrible for weight loss. "They're very easy to overindulge in, and unfortunately, they’re an unhealthy source of empty calories," Dr. Perez tells us.
He notes that they're also high in sodium, which comes with its fair share of consequences. Dr. Perez says consuming too much salt "can lead to bloating and water retention," which is never good if you're trying to fit into a smaller jean size.
Luckily, there's a good solution. "A healthier alternative could be roasted chickpeas. They have a similar crunch, but they're packed with fiber and protein, making them a much better snack option," Dr. Perez recommends. Sounds delicious—and healthy!
By making cutting out these harmful snacks and making smart swaps like these—especially when combined with other healthy habits—you'll be right on track to reach your weight loss goals.
