Skip to content
Expert-Recommended

We've consulted with our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians to bring you informed recommendations for food products, health aids and nutritional goods to safely and successfully guide you toward making better diet and nutrition choices. We strive to only recommend products that adhere to our philosophy of eating better while still enjoying what you eat.

I'm a Dietitian and These Are 7 Foods You Should Never Eat

Avoid these 7 foods for a happier, healthier life.

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Rear View Of Young Woman Looking In Fridge At Kitchen
Shutterstock
FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback

As a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and freelance nutrition writer, I love food—so I never say never when it comes to foods to avoid. However, with more than eight year’s experience in nutrition and dietetics, and as a fan of traditional Mexican and Salvadoran cooking, I can't help but value nutrient-dense, real foods over the fake stuff that can lead to weight gain and health issues. So when Body Network asked me to share "7 foods you should never eat," I had no trouble coming up with the following list. Avoid these for a healthier, happier life.


Processed Foods

Unhealthy products. food bad for figure, skin, heart and teeth. Assortment of fast carbohydrates food.Shutterstock

Processed foods are foods that have been modified in some way, this can be through prepping and freezing, canning, and drying. There are, however other ways of processing foods that are not as natural, like the addition of flavorings, dyes, preservatives, and addition of vitamins and minerals. These types of foods are usually higher in calories but lower in nutrient value.

Related: 5 Habits from Fitness Trainer Krissy Cela that Could Change Your Life

Refined Oils

Woman,Buying,Cooking,Oil,In,Supermarket,canola,olive,Shutterstock

There is a large variety of cooking oils, all refined in some way. Oils are extracted from seeds, nuts, legumes, grains, and olives. These oils are extracted and refined either with chemicals or in some mechanical way.

Hydrogenated Fats

Oil,Cooking,Oil,Synthetic,fatShutterstock

These are liquid oils that are changed by adding a hydrogen molecule to make it into saturated fat, making a liquid fat into a solid fat. This aims to make a healthier oil spreadable or easily used for cooking. However, in this process of making solid fat from vegetable oil, trans fats are made, which have been shown to lead to cardiovascular health problems.

High Fructose Corn Syrup

Selective focus of high-fructose corn syrup or hfcs food and beverage sweetener in dark brown glass bottle inside a laboratory.Shutterstock

A cheaper way to sweeten packaged and processed foods, high-fructose corn syrup is a sweetener developed from the processing of corn starch. The Food and Drug Administration of the United States does not have proof that it is less safe than honey. However, when added to everyday foods and consumed frequently, the amount of sugar consumed daily can be so excessive that it can contribute to obesity.

Related: 10-Minute Full Body HIIT Exercise That Will Burn Fat Fast

Fast Food

Woman getting fast food at drive-thruShutterstock

Although fast food is typically convenient for many busy people and families, many of the foods are highly processed with preservatives, dyes, and flavorings, high in fat and carbohydrates with very little nutrient density.

Foods With MSG

Monosodium glutamate, MSG on wooden spoon. Copy space., a flavor enhancer in many asian foodShutterstock

Monosodium Glutamate is a salt that when combined with an aroma, is used in foods to increase the savory flavors. MSG is generally recognized as safe to eat and very little evidence that MSG can cause health problems. However, we still don’t know the long-term effects of artificial additives on health.

Related: I Lost 100 Pounds by Eating the Meal I Love

Artificial Sweeteners

Close-up of woman hand throwing saccharin pills on coffee cup in the kitchen at home.Shutterstock

Sweeteners that are manufactured are thousands of times sweeter than sugar, but are used in less quantities to achieve the sweetness. These are now widely found in all types of packaged foods and fast foods. Some studies show that artificial sweeteners can affect gut health and disturb the way the body uses up sugar.

💪🔥Body Booster: Doughnuts may be delicious, but they’re not good for you. They’re full of sugar and refined flour, which quickly raise your blood sugar. Plus, they’re fried in oil, adding unhealthy fats. They lack protein, vitamins, and minerals. So, for a healthier diet, it’s best to skip the doughnuts.

Blanca Garcia, RDN, is a Nutrition Specialist at Healthcanal.

More For You

Rear View Of Young Woman Looking In Fridge At Kitchen
Shutterstock
FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Expert-Recommended

We've consulted with our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians to bring you informed recommendations for food products, health aids and nutritional goods to safely and successfully guide you toward making better diet and nutrition choices. We strive to only recommend products that adhere to our philosophy of eating better while still enjoying what you eat.

As a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and freelance nutrition writer, I love food—so I never say never when it comes to foods to avoid. However, with more than eight year’s experience in nutrition and dietetics, and as a fan of traditional Mexican and Salvadoran cooking, I can't help but value nutrient-dense, real foods over the fake stuff that can lead to weight gain and health issues. So when Body Network asked me to share "7 foods you should never eat," I had no trouble coming up with the following list. Avoid these for a healthier, happier life.


Processed Foods

Unhealthy products. food bad for figure, skin, heart and teeth. Assortment of fast carbohydrates food.Shutterstock

Processed foods are foods that have been modified in some way, this can be through prepping and freezing, canning, and drying. There are, however other ways of processing foods that are not as natural, like the addition of flavorings, dyes, preservatives, and addition of vitamins and minerals. These types of foods are usually higher in calories but lower in nutrient value.

Related: 5 Habits from Fitness Trainer Krissy Cela that Could Change Your Life

Refined Oils

Woman,Buying,Cooking,Oil,In,Supermarket,canola,olive,Shutterstock

There is a large variety of cooking oils, all refined in some way. Oils are extracted from seeds, nuts, legumes, grains, and olives. These oils are extracted and refined either with chemicals or in some mechanical way.

Hydrogenated Fats

Oil,Cooking,Oil,Synthetic,fatShutterstock

These are liquid oils that are changed by adding a hydrogen molecule to make it into saturated fat, making a liquid fat into a solid fat. This aims to make a healthier oil spreadable or easily used for cooking. However, in this process of making solid fat from vegetable oil, trans fats are made, which have been shown to lead to cardiovascular health problems.

High Fructose Corn Syrup

Selective focus of high-fructose corn syrup or hfcs food and beverage sweetener in dark brown glass bottle inside a laboratory.Shutterstock

A cheaper way to sweeten packaged and processed foods, high-fructose corn syrup is a sweetener developed from the processing of corn starch. The Food and Drug Administration of the United States does not have proof that it is less safe than honey. However, when added to everyday foods and consumed frequently, the amount of sugar consumed daily can be so excessive that it can contribute to obesity.

Related: 10-Minute Full Body HIIT Exercise That Will Burn Fat Fast

Fast Food

Woman getting fast food at drive-thruShutterstock

Although fast food is typically convenient for many busy people and families, many of the foods are highly processed with preservatives, dyes, and flavorings, high in fat and carbohydrates with very little nutrient density.

Foods With MSG

Monosodium glutamate, MSG on wooden spoon. Copy space., a flavor enhancer in many asian foodShutterstock

Monosodium Glutamate is a salt that when combined with an aroma, is used in foods to increase the savory flavors. MSG is generally recognized as safe to eat and very little evidence that MSG can cause health problems. However, we still don’t know the long-term effects of artificial additives on health.

Related: I Lost 100 Pounds by Eating the Meal I Love

Artificial Sweeteners

Close-up of woman hand throwing saccharin pills on coffee cup in the kitchen at home.Shutterstock

Sweeteners that are manufactured are thousands of times sweeter than sugar, but are used in less quantities to achieve the sweetness. These are now widely found in all types of packaged foods and fast foods. Some studies show that artificial sweeteners can affect gut health and disturb the way the body uses up sugar.

💪🔥Body Booster: Doughnuts may be delicious, but they’re not good for you. They’re full of sugar and refined flour, which quickly raise your blood sugar. Plus, they’re fried in oil, adding unhealthy fats. They lack protein, vitamins, and minerals. So, for a healthier diet, it’s best to skip the doughnuts.

Blanca Garcia, RDN, is a Nutrition Specialist at Healthcanal.
FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Fact-Checked

Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.

If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing editors@bodynetwork.com.

Fitness coach Jenna Rizzo is an expert in diet, nutrition, and working out—and she practices what she preaches. Rizzo’s TikTok channel is packed with useful advice for anyone who wants to up their fitness game, whether they are beginners who need advice on where to start or long-time fitness buffs who want to take their workouts to the next level. Rizzo answers lots of questions about what to eat and, just as importantly, what not to eat. Here are the foods Rizzo avoids to stay lean.


Frozen Foods

Latin woman standing at refrigerator, choosing frozen convenience food in supermarket.Shutterstock

Rizzo is strongly opposed to eating any kind of ultra-processed frozen junk food. “These are things like pizzas, Hot Pockets, toaster pastries, things like that,” she says. “These are going to be not only some of the highest calorie foods you can get, but for a lot of these foods, their ingredients are absolutely trash, so they’re not going to promote healthy bodily functions. This is not for every brand. This is a generalized statement—you walk into the grocery store, you are bombarded with so many options.”

RELATED:I Dropped 80 Pounds Eating Whatever I Wanted, Thanks to This Intermittent Fasting Secret

Frappuccinos

@jennaaaamariee

4 foods that if you eat in excess can make it hard for you to lose weight.

Rizzo avoids blended coffees. “A lot of people order them just thinking they're getting a coffee and really they’re getting a glorified milkshake because even a small one can have over 500 calories in it. And of these calories, it’s mostly just sugar, so it’s not going to do anything for you, it’s not going to keep you full, it’s not going to help your muscles repair, and obviously, it will make it really easy to be eating in a calorie surplus.”

RELATED:I Hit 60 and These 15 Anti-Aging Foods Keep Me Fit and Feeling 20 Years Younger

Granola Bars

mussli or cereal bars, full of nuts and chocolate, on a white background, healthy breakfast or snackShutterstock

Rizzo advises against eating granola bars if you’re trying to lose weight. “A lot of people think these are healthy because they are marketed to you as such. But they get put on this list because, once again, they are very high in calories and sugar. So once again, they are not really doing anything for you except spiking your blood sugar so it crashes and you just crave more junk food. “

Keto, Vegan, Gluten-Free

Ketogenic low carbs diet concept. Healthy eating and dieting with salmon fish, avocado, eggs and nuts. Top viewShutterstock

Rizzo avoids anything marketed as keto, vegan, or gluten-free. “If you’re celiac and need to eat gluten-free products, this doesn’t apply to you. I’m saying these products are marketed to people as a healthier option. So you see it and think, this is something that will help me lose weight, right? It looks healthy. And that is so not the case. Most of these processed, packaged foods are just glorified junk food. This is why it’s so important to understand food labels: so you can read a label and make an informed decision on whether that’s something that will be conducive to your weight loss or health journey.”

RELATED:Thinking About Ozempic for Weight Loss? Read This First

No Cheat Days!

Rizzo no longer plans cheat days, as she found that no matter how hard she worked in the gym, it would be undone by a weekend of unhealthy behaviors. Instead, she balances her diet with 80% healthy and 20% fun, depending on how she feels. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Expert-Recommended

We've consulted with our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians to bring you informed recommendations for food products, health aids and nutritional goods to safely and successfully guide you toward making better diet and nutrition choices. We strive to only recommend products that adhere to our philosophy of eating better while still enjoying what you eat.

Before nutritionists were experts, they were average people with less knowledge about food and diets. Shana Spence, MS, RDN, CDN (@thenutritiontea) is a non-diet focused nutritionist and social media influencer who shares realistic tips and tricks to help people become the healthiest versions of themselves. In a new viral video, she opens up about some of the mistakes she made before getting credentialed.


“Five things I would never do after becoming a dietician,” she says at the start of the clip. From putting labels on certain types of foods to making assumptions about people that aren’t true, here are the mistakes she made so you don’t have to – and we also asked The Diet Diva, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian, to add her own commentary to the discussion.

Categorize Foods as “Good and Bad”

@thenutritiontea

We learn these tactics in school and it’s our job to unlearn them #dietitiantips #dietitian #dietitiansoftiktok #blacktiktok #blackdietitian #allfoodisgoodfood #goodfoodgoodmood #5thingschallenge #healthyliving

First up, Spence would never “categorize foods as good and bad,” she says. “Not every food is meant to provide nutrients, and not every food is going to be providing the same nutrient. That's why we eat a variety of foods. And yes, some foods are providing us with joy and comfort. That's okay.” Collingwood completely agrees.

“I try not to classify foods as good and bad but rather need vs want,” she explains. “Foods that we need have nutritional value, while want foods have fewer nutrients. Eating a healthy diet is a balance of getting the nutrients we need for good health but also enjoying some of the others.”

Assuming Someone Is Unhealthy Based on Their Body

Shana_Spence_thenutritiontea2The Nutrition Tea/Facebook

The second is making the assumption “someone is unhealthy based on their body,” she explains. “Bodies are not business cards. If we're talking about health based on lab values or whether someone is eating nutrient dense foods or getting in more movement, a lot of folks in larger bodies are doing those things and have great lab values. And on the opposite spectrum, a lot of folks in thinner bodies don't have great lab values and don't eat nutrient foods or get in a lot of movement,” she points out.

“You cannot just look at someone and know much about their overall health,” agrees Collingwood. “Some of the fittest people are in larger bodies with really good health measures. And just because someone is thin doesn’t mean they are automatically healthy. They could have very little muscle mass and have high blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose levels.”

Related: Courteney Fisher Shows Off Washboard Abs and Reveals 5 Ways to Get to Blast Belly Fat

Healthify Foods

Ice cream in a paper cup. Sweets and weekend walks.Shutterstock

She also regrets trying to “healthify foods,” she says. “The time and Energy I spent making black bean brownies or ice cream when I could have just enjoyed ice cream and brownies. If you want to swap out something or if you're interested in trying out a new recipe, that's fine, but feeling the need to do something based on what you read on the interwebs is something different.”

Collingwood thinks making recipes healthier is a good thing, “but definitely not all the time,” she says. :If you really want some full fat ice cream, chocolate or a warm chocolate chip cookie, do it!”

Telling People to Stop Eating Their Cultural Foods

Japanese cuisine. Sushi set on a wooden plate over dark stone background.Shutterstock

“Number four, telling folks to swap out white rice for brown rice in their cultural foods,” she continues. “My ancestors were probably rolling in their graves when I did this. Not to mention this is based on the whole idea that certain cultures and ethnicities are unhealthy.”

Some food swaps “can make a huge difference in calories or nutritional quality and some don’t really matter much,” says Collingwood. “When it comes to rice, there isn’t a big difference between white and brown, but for people who love their white rice it can ruin it for them. There are plenty of other places in the diet where you can make changes without needing to change everything, especially the cultural favorites.”

Related: 4 Easy Tips to Lose Weight, According to Dietitian

Only Shopping the Perimeter of the Store

Man,Shopping,,Supermarket,label,grocery, groceriesShutterstock

“And last but not least, number five, telling people to shop the perimeter of the store,” she says. “Never. Again. This is based on the concept that fresh is best and clean. Eating, no such thing. There are plenty of nutrients found in canned foods, packaged foods, and frozen food. If you like the taste of fresh, that's fine, but telling someone that how they're eating is wrong because they choose foods from a can or package is elitist.”

Collingwood “never did like this advice either,” she says. “Sure, the perimeter has some fresh stuff, but the middle of the store has whole grains, beans, canned veggies, etc. In today’s world it’s not realistic that people won’t be using convenience foods and there isn’t anything wrong with it!”

💪🔥Body Booster: When it comes to everything surrounding diet and nutrition, it isn’t all black and white and you don’t have to go to extremes. Shop the middle of the store, eat the cookie or the rice, and don’t categorize things as good or bad. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Fact-Checked

Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.

If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing editors@bodynetwork.com.

Do you ever wonder what foods health experts avoid? Physical therapist and strength coachJeff Cavaliere educates his YouTube followers with the same knowledge he shares with his professional athletes and celebrity clients. In a recent video, he reveals key foods he avoids eating and that you should too if you are “looking to clean up your diet and remove some foods that are making you fat,” she says.


They “may be keeping you unhealthy,” and you don’t even know it, he maintains, “and we’re making our decisions based on science and the latest research that points us towards better food options,” he writes in the caption of the post.

Bananas

In the clip, he explains that he used to add bananas to his smoothies but learned that “bananas have an enzyme in it called polyphenol oxidase. It actually degrades polyphenols,” he says. “This was a human study that came out recently,” he says, noting that adding the fruit to berry smoothies decreased “metabolites of polyphenols.”

So, “if you're trying to get the benefits of blueberries,” you could be “undercutting your sole purpose by including a banana in that smoothie of yours.”

Whole Grain Bread

Sliced rye bread on cutting board. Whole grain rye bread with seeds on rustic backgroundShutterstock

Whole grain bread sounds healthy, but according to Cavaliere, it takes “a long time” for your intestine to digest it, “and we don't have enzymes that work very well for that,” he says. “That's why a whole grain is good; it's a delivery system for getting the food further down the intestine to feed your bacteria.”

However, “whole grain bread in the supermarket is not whole grain because the grains have been pulverized to smithereens,” he says. “Now you consume it, and the starches are immediately acted on by the saliva and the stomach. And now you liberate all of that glucose, and it goes via the portal vein to the liver, generates an insulin spike, and you're off to the races in terms of chronic metabolic disease.”

RELATED:I'm a Nutritionist and Here Are 19 Protein Truths You Need to Hear

This Canned Soup (But It's Personal)

canned, tin, soupShutterstock

Next up, white bean soup. He explains that it’s “a very personal choice” of his but stems from getting a norovirus that induced vomiting. “Unfortunately, every single time that I see white bean soup to this day, I get nauseous, and I wanna throw up,” he says. However, canned soups, in general, aren’t great for you, he explains.

“If you look at the amount of sodium that's contained in a canned soup, you might run away and hide as I have forever, and don't fall for the label lies where they make you think that there are only 800 and 900 milligrams of sodium in that can of soup because it is for two servings and nobody eats just half a can,” he points out. “It's all due to the preservation that's required to make canned foods last for a long time,” he says. “The bottom line is soup is an amazing addition to a healthy meal plan that actually gives you a convenient way to get the vegetables in a day that you might be missing right now. But you gotta make sure you're making it yourself, and you're not just relying on the cans on a shelf.”

Artificial Colors

Close,Up,Of,Multicolored,Skittles,Sweets,candyShutterstock

The next one is artificial dyes, “you know those colors of the rainbow with a number attached to it at the end, red number 40, blue number one, yellow number five, or number six,” he says. “The bottom line is, guys, you should look to avoid these at every single turn.”

He notes that “there is some scientific literature linked to increased hypersensitivity and hyperactivity in kids” and “beyond that, there are immunosuppressive effects that have been linked to these dyes, supposedly even at safe levels, whatever that might be, or even carcinogenic links that have suggested that long-term use of these could lead to cancer.” He doesn’t want to “name names, but read the back of your label,” he says.

Farm Raised Salmon

Fillet of Salmon.Shutterstock

The next item is farm-raised salmon. “The natural color of farm-raised salmon is actually this very pale, almost white, but the way that they make it look like this is through the inclusion of some of the very same food colorings in the feed that they supply these farm-raised fish,” he explains. “Once again, the recommendation is to always seek out whatever it is you're eating in its most natural form.

Wild-caught fish is going to be better for you than farm-raised fish every single time. The bottom line is to make sure you're also getting it from a reliable source. Because with all fish, no matter whether they are farm raised or wild caught, you're still going to have to be concerned about heavy metal contents in high levels of mercury.”

RELATED: I'm 70 but Look 40 After Sculpting My Body with 2 Unexpected Exercises

Yogurt

Flavoured,Yogurt,In,Plastic,Pots,-,Colourful,Fruit,Flavoured,YogurtShutterstock

“Yogurt has active cultures, and active cultures help populate the intestine with good bacteria. The question is, if these foods worked, why would you have to keep eating them? If they're live cultures, they reach the intestine, which is nice and dark and murky, and certainly bacteria are growing in there. Why don't they just set up shop? And the answer is because they're not living anymore. They died,” he says.

“That's the reason why you needed them is because your own died because you have an inhospitable intestinal environment. So you don't need a probiotic. You need something that will let the bacteria grow. You need a prebiotic. Well, what's the prebiotic that's in real food fiber? It's been taken out of processed food,” he says. “I will continue to eat yogurt only because I do believe that I'm getting that prebiotic portion of the equation right.

By eating lots of fiber every single day, you can even go back to the whole grain bread. If you're getting things like that right, and you're eating enough of the vegetables, not the canned kind, but the regular vegetables, you should be providing your body with enough of the fiber to create that environment that's necessary for the good bacteria colonization of your digestive tract.

So even though the yogurt portion of my diet may not really be hitting it out of the park, and I might actually be providing myself with a bunch of dead bacteria in the process, I still think that, as he said, the most important part is getting the fiber portion down to create a better environment for the yogurt that you are eating. Therefore, continue to eat your yogurt, but make sure you're not avoiding your fiber.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

They're in your kitchen right now. Foods you eat every day, perhaps even foods you think are healthy. But these everyday staples might be undermining your health without you realizing it. Dr. Anthony Balduzzi, founder of The Fit Father Project and The Fit Mother Project, has helped over 30,000 families transform their health through proper nutrition. After losing his father at a young age, he dedicated his life to studying health and nutrition, earning degrees from the University of Pennsylvania and a doctorate in naturopathic medicine. "These foods are like landmines when you're out in the world," Dr. Balduzzi warns. Here are the top 10 foods he says you need to watch out for – and what to eat instead.


Store-Bought Chips: Your Daily Diet Destroyer

"Chips are literally the living definition of empty calories," Dr. Balduzzi highlights in his post. Just three ounces of chips weekly adds over 24,000 calories to your diet annually – equivalent to about seven pounds of fat. The combination of low-quality potatoes, inflammatory oils, and excessive salt makes them particularly harmful. Instead, try brands made with almond or cassava flour and avocado oil, or make your own apple or zucchini chips at home.

Non-Organic Bread: The Pesticide Problem

Organic Whole Wheat White Bread Cut into SlicesShutterstock

"If you're eating non-organic bread, your bread is sprayed with glyphosate, which is also known as Roundup," Dr. Balduzzi reveals. This pesticide can damage your gut microbiome and potentially cause various health issues. The solution? Switch to organic sprouted bread like Ezekiel Bread or organic sourdough, which offer better nutrition and are often easier to digest.

RELATED: This Nutritionist Shares a 3-Ingredient “Lazy Girl Pasta” That Helped Her Lose Weight

Commercial Baked Goods: The Thyroid Disruptor

A,Close-up,Shot,Of,A,Variety,Of,Donuts,On,AShutterstock

Those tempting pastries and donuts aren't just sugar bombs. "These bromides actually get into your thyroid gland," Dr. Balduzzi explains, "and block the absorption of iodine, leading to a sluggish metabolism." Many commercial baked goods contain these thyroid-disrupting compounds. Instead, opt for healthier breakfast options like avocado toast on organic bread or egg-based recipes.

Cream-Based Pasta Dishes: The Hidden Calorie Trap

Creamy Alfredo pasta with chicken, mushrooms and parmesan cheese. Healthy Italian foodShutterstock

"Even a cup of chicken Alfredo has about 500 calories," warns Dr. Balduzzi, "and let's be honest, this stuff's so good, you want to eat six cups." His solution? Choose organic wheat or legume-based pasta with low-sugar marinara sauce instead. The lycopene in tomato-based sauces offers additional health benefits for vision and overall health.

Fried Fish and Chicken: The Heart Risk Factor

Woman eating a takeaway fried chicken wing from fast food cafe with a mouth and teeth close upShutterstock

The evidence is clear: eating fried fish just once weekly increases heart failure risk by 48%. "Fried foods are toxic for your cardiovascular system," Dr. Balduzzi states. The high-temperature frying creates inflammatory compounds that damage your arteries. Instead, opt for baked, grilled, or air-fried preparations.

RELATED: 12 Genius Hacks a Dietitian Uses to Double Her Protein “Without Touching Chicken”

Processed Meats: The Cancer Connection

Barbecue Grilled Hot Dog with Yellow Mustard and ketchup on wooden tableShutterstock

"If there is one resounding thing that nutritionists agree on, it's that processed meats are bad for you," Dr. Balduzzi emphasizes. Hot dogs, sausages, and deli meats contain nitrites and nitrates that can increase cancer risk, particularly colon cancer. Choose whole cuts of meat instead, like chicken breast or grass-fed beef.

French Fries: The Aging Accelerator

French fries or potato chips with sour cream and ketchupShutterstock

"When we take carbohydrates like potatoes and cook them on high heat with vegetable oils, it creates compounds called acrylamides," Dr. Balduzzi explains. These compounds accelerate aging and increase cancer risk. His alternative? Bake sweet potato wedges with olive oil and seasonings for a healthier version of this popular side dish.

Excessive Dairy: The Addiction You Didn't Know About

Greek yogurt in a potShutterstock

"Dairy has a compound called beta casomorphine, which is a natural opioid," Dr. Balduzzi reveals. This explains why we often feel good after consuming dairy – and why it can be addictive. He recommends limiting dairy to occasional use and choosing fermented options like kefir or Greek yogurt when you do indulge.

Processed Plant-Based Foods: The False Health Hero

Homemade Mediterranean Falafel Burger with Tzatziki SauceShutterstock

Not all plant-based foods deliver on their healthy promise. "What's not awesome is a lot of these fake foods that are trying to be vegan," Dr. Balduzzi cautions. Many contain pesticide-sprayed soy protein and artificial additives. Instead, choose whole food plant-based options like black bean burgers or vegetarian chili.

RELATED: Nutritionist Reveals 8 Signs You're Eating Too Many Carbs

Sugary "Health" Drinks: The Wellness Impostor

drinks, people and lifestyle concept - close up of woman drinking ice tea from plastic cup with straw at cafe. Selective focus.Shutterstock

"These things are glorified sugar shots," Dr. Balduzzi warns about supposedly healthy fruit drinks, noting that many contain 30-40 grams of sugar per serving. Despite their promises of vitamins and antioxidants, these drinks can seriously impact your health. Stick to whole fruits for natural sweetness and nutrients, or make fresh vegetable-based juices at home. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Jessica Olson findinmyweigh
Wake Up Earlier​
Copyright findinmyweigh/Instagram
Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Are you trying to lose weight but need a little motivation? One weight loss warrior claims to have a game-changing tip. Jessica Olson is a nurse and social media influencer who dropped a whopping 140 pounds. In a recent Instagram post, she reveals one habit that was instrumental in her weight loss success. “#1 success tip helped me lose 140 pounds,” she writes in the post.

Wake Up Earlier

What is her number one tip? “It’s simple…WAKE UP EARLIER,” she writes. “I’m sure a ton of people would disagree with me but if I had to pick ONE thing that I feel like has helped ME on MY journey - this would be it.”

RELATED:8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat

She Had Bariatric Surgery But Didn’t Gain the Weight Back

“Sure I had bariatric surgery… and some could say that was the one thing that helped. But so many people put their weight back on after having surgery because they don’t change their habits. I created the habit of waking up earlier,” she continues.

This Habit Helps Her Stick to These Other Habits

She maintains that “one simple thing” has helped her lose 140 lbs but also keep it off by:

  1. Hitting her water goals
  2. Taking her vitamins
  3. Getting in a workout.

“All before most people are getting out of bed in the morning,” she says.

There Are Other Benefits

There are other benefits to being an early riser, per Jessica. “But it’s also helped me in other areas. I’m spending more time with God, my house is cleaner, I feel more organized, so I’m in a much better mood,” she says. “All because…I WAKE UP EARLIER.”

RELATED:20 Foods You Didn’t Know Were Ultra-Processed

She Also Has a Tip for Those Who Struggle to Sleep

In another post, she offers suggestions to anyone who struggles with falling asleep and shutting their brains off. “After many years of nightshift nursing I have royally messed up my sleep schedule. Some nights I'll lay in bed (mind you I've crawled into bed around 8) and can't fall asleep until after 1-2a,” she says.

She Drinks Mushroom Hot Cocoa at Night

“I have prescribed medication to help with times like that but I really don't like taking it. I decided to try out @ryzesuperfoods mushroom hot cocoa to see if I could tell a difference - and it's been a huge game changer!! For one you can't taste the mushroom part at all, y'all know I have a sweet tooth and this taste just like straight up hot cocoa but the best part is I feel super sleepy within 10-15 minutes of drinking it!” she continued.

RELATED:I'm a Nutritionist and These are the Best Banana Recipes For Weight Loss

Find What Works for You

“All this to say - find what works for you. Maybe it's changing up your nightly routine. Trying some meditation, stretching, a hot bath, bible reading, journaling -or- incorporating some hot cocoa into your nightly routine... Figure out what helps and stick to it,” she concludes. “Transitioning from a night owl to a morning bird has been a huge part of my journey to better health.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Dr. Stephanie Dunlop, MD mvmntbydrsteph
​When Other Hormonal Imbalances Are In Check
Copyright mvmntbydrsteph/Instagram
Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

You probably know that hormonal disruptions can lead to weight gain and lower energy. But you might not realize that some of your favorite foods are causing this. Dr. Stephanie Dunlop, MD, specializes in helping women over 30 lose weight and gain energy. In a new social media post, she reveals the foods that will mess up your hormones. “As a medical doctor, here are 5 foods I avoid daily that will wreck your cortisol,” she writes.

“We all know cortisol is our primary stress hormone, but did you know your diet could be making things worse by messing with other hormones too?” she asks, adding that cortisol is intimately connected with insulin and thyroid hormones. “So, some foods that disrupt one can impact them all—and the consequences on your body and metabolism can be significant. Here are 5 foods I avoid because they wreak havoc on cortisol (and other hormones!)”

Refined Sugars

First, avoid refined sugars. “These spike blood sugar, trigger insulin resistance, and raise cortisol. It’s a triple whammy for your metabolism,” she says.

RELATED:5-Minute Walking Workouts for Women Over 40 to Burn Fat at Home

Processed Foods

Unhealthy.,Food,Bad,Processed,junk,fries,donut,candy, carbohydrates​Junk Foods: The Triple ThreatShutterstock

Processed foods are next on her list. “High in sodium, sugar, and unhealthy fats, these can throw off your insulin levels, contributing to hormonal imbalances that elevate cortisol levels,” she says.

Caffeine

black drip coffee in glass cup, Barista making drip coffee by pouring spills hot water on coffee bean. Barista serve holding cup of hot black coffee or americano for serve on wooden table cafe shop​Protein Before CaffeineShutterstock

You might want to think twice before having that second cup of coffee or energy drink. “While it gives you a temporary boost, excessive caffeine consumption can increase cortisol, leaving you more stressed and less likely to burn fat,” says Dr. Dunlop.

Alcohol

Group of people drinking beer at brewery pub restaurant - Happy friends enjoying happy hour sitting at bar table - Closeup image of brew glasses - Food and beverage lifestyle concept​4. Excess AlcoholShutterstock

Alcohol is another no-no. “Alcohol disrupts liver function, impacting your body’s ability to detoxify, leading to an increase in cortisol and other hormone imbalances,” she writes.

RELATED:Tone Sagging Arms in 2 Weeks With These 5 Exercises

Artificial Sweeteners

Equal,Artificial,Sweetener,By,Merisant, sugar, sweet​Mistake 3: Relying on Quick FixesShutterstock

Artificial sweeteners may seem like a better idea than sugar, but according to Dr. Dunlop they can also do a lot of damage. “These can mess with your gut microbiome, which has a profound effect on your stress response and cortisol levels,” she writes.

Take a Deeper Look at Your Hormonal Imbalance

Obese Woman with fat upset bored of dieting Weight loss fail  Fat diet and scale sad asian woman on weight scale at home weight control.​Not Being Obsessed with Fast ResultsShutterstock

“If you’re struggling with weight loss, fatigue, or emotional burnout, it might be time to look deeper at the root causes of your hormonal imbalance. These are the things that MUST be addressed in any successful weight loss plan, or you risk spinning your wheels and not seeing lasting results,” she concludes. And if you enjoyed this article, don't missI’m a Nutritionist and Here Are 25 Weight Loss Truths You Need to Hear.

Jenny McCarthy at the 2013 Billboard Music Awards Arrivals, MGM Grand, Las Vegas, NV 05-19-13
Shutterstock
Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Veganism is a popular style of eating. According to The Vegan Society, it’s more than just a diet. “Veganism is a philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude—as far as is possible and practicable—all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose; and by extension, promotes the development and use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of animals, humans and the environment. In dietary terms it denotes the practice of dispensing with all products derived wholly or partly from animals,” they say on their website. Many stars have identified as vegans, including Jenny McCarthy. However, on a recent episode of the Heal Squad podcast hosted by Maria Menounos, the Masked Singer beauty made a confession: The diet almost killed her.

Jenny First Identified as Vegan in 2009

Jenny McCarthy  arriving at the Women in Film Annual Crystal & Lucy Awards at the Century Plaza Hotel in Century City , CA on June 12, 2009.

Shutterstock

McCarthy, 52, first discussed being on a vegan diet in 2009, and has her own vegan skincare line, maintains that plant-based eating was hazardous to her health. "I tried vegan and I almost died," McCarthy told Menounos. "I literally almost died."

RELATED:8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat

She Got So Ill She Was “Literally Dying”

Jenny McCarthy at the 2012 American Music Awards held at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles, USA on November 18, 2012.

Shutterstock

"I became so ill, like I was literally dying," she continued. "I was exhausted, fatigued, I was a mess. So, I went on a low histamine diet; I went on every one of 'em. Finally, my functional medicine doctor said to me last year, 'It's time for you to go full carnivore.'”

She Went “Full Carnivore” and It Was “Incredible”

LOS ANGELES - SEP 22:  Jenny McCarthy at the Primetime Emmy Awards - Arrivals at the Microsoft Theater on September 22, 2019 in Los Angeles, CA

Shutterstock

She was hesitant at first. "And I'm like, ugh, OK. I'm from Chicago so I can handle it, but it just felt very low vibrational heavy for me. I was kind of a more eating salmon [type of person] and doing light things like this. But [I felt] I might as well give it a try; it was like my last resort diet. It has been incredible for me, and I stress for me."

RELATED:20 Foods You Didn’t Know Were Ultra-Processed

She Works Out Two Hours a Day

LOS ANGELES - FEB 06:  Actress Jenny McCarthy arrives for the FOX Winter TCA 2019 on February 6, 2019 in Los Angeles, CA

Shutterstock

In a recent interview with Us, Jenny revealed some more of her hot body secrets. According to the former Playboy pinup, she spends a lot of time exercising. “I literally work out two hours a day,” she said.

She Walks on an Incline

LOS ANGELES - NOV 23:  Jenny McCarthy at the 2014 American Music Awards - Arrivals at the Nokia Theater on November 23, 2014 in Los Angeles, CA

Shutterstock

As for the type of cardio she does? “I can’t run anymore, my bones hurt,” she told Fox News. “So all I do is an incline of 15 on a treadmill, and then I hold my hand weights, and I watch ‘Game of Thrones’ or ‘Housewives,’ and I literally box while I walk uphill, and that's all I can do for 45 minutes a day. That’s all I have left in me.”

RELATED:I'm a Nutritionist and These are the Best Banana Recipes For Weight Loss

She Also Enjoys Hot Yoga

Jenny McCarthy   at the Los Angeles Premiere of 'Yes Man'. Mann VIllage Theater, Westwood, CA. 12-17-08

Shutterstock

In 2016, Jenny “added something to our home gym that has already made a huge impact on our health, energy level and happiness” – an exercise sauna. “The HOTWORX infrared sauna that doubles as a hot exercise studio!” she wrote. “HOTWORX is a fusion of infrared sauna therapy and isometrics for the perfect 30-minute workout! I have been wanting a room in my home to not only practice my yoga, but to incorporate the benefits of an infrared sauna at the same time.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.