Do you ever find yourself on a clothing website, looking at pictures of beautiful models and finding yourself inspired (or frustrated): if only you could look like that! But maybe you feel like no matter what you do, your diet just isn’t working in your favor. I felt that way myself for about 20 years—my whole adult life—before I found a way to get serious about my diet and lost 60 lbs. over 2 years. (That may not sound as impressive as some diet testimonials, but it was a life-changing, eye-opening experience for me. And I haven’t put the weight back on.)
So I’m here to help and share—not with some fad diet or that “one weird trick,” but with some simple, science-based advice to help you reach your goals and look your best. In the future, we’ll talk about foods that actively enhance your beauty (yes, those do exist!) and tasty recipes that include them. But today, we’re starting with the basics: foods to avoid.
Foods to Avoid When Trying to Look Your Best?
We all want to look good, feel good, and (most of all) feel like we look good. And while exercise can do wonders for our bodies, burning fat, building bulk, and toning muscle—you’ll never get that taut tummy without it—it can’t do any of that alone. It all starts with diet, which is all about giving your body the fuel it needs to exercise in the first place.
So if you’re looking to shed a few LBs or tone those forearms, you’ve got to pay attention to what you put on your plate. While some foods can help you reach our goals, many more can sabotage your progress. So, what foods should you avoid when trying to look your best? Sugary treats, processed savory snacks, and fried foods are all culprits that can lead to weight gain, breakouts, and dull skin. By cutting these foods out of your diet and replacing them with healthier options, you’ll be well on your way to a happier, healthier you.
Sugary Drinks & Processed Foods?
In today’s world, it’s almost impossible to escape the convenience and allure of sugary drinks and processed foods. With their bright packaging and promises of instant satisfaction (not to mention the delicious dopamine hit we all know is waiting inside), these treats are the most potent brand of temptation that million-dollar marketing departments can devise. And there’s nothing wrong with giving into that temptation every now and then. (Space these moments out far enough, and they can feel downright sinful—in the best way.) But we all know how easy it is for the occasional indulgence to become an unhealthy habit: sometimes, one stressful week is all it takes for “once in a while” to become once a day. Then you’ve got a problem.
Delicious as they may be, these convenience-store staples can wreak havoc on your body in more ways than one. From weight gain and damaged teeth to increased risk of chronic diseases, the consequences can be serious. But don’t worry, the solution here isn’t elimination but moderation. By being intentional about what you put into your body and making smart choices, you can still enjoy the occasional sweet treat without sacrificing your health in the long run.
High-Sodium Dishes
“Good thing I don’t have a sweet tooth,” I hear some of you saying in relief. But don’t pat yourself on the back just yet, savory snacker: I’ve got bad news for you too. Salty snacks are typically sky-high in sodium. “And what’s so bad about sodium?” you may ask. How about high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke? And on the beauty front, having too much salt in your diet can cause your body to retain excess water, adding extra pounds on the scale (“water weight”) and giving your body a puffy, bloated appearance.
Unfortunately, many popular dishes like pizza, deli-meat sandwiches, and even some salads can have alarmingly high levels of sodium. But don’t despair! By being mindful of the ingredients you use and seeking out low-sodium substitutions, you can still enjoy delicious meals without sacrificing your health. So, the next time you’re cooking up something savory, consider opting for low-sodium seasonings and ingredients to ensure a dish that’s flavorful and wholesome.
Fried & Greasy Foods
Fried and greasy foods are a guilty (or not-so-guilty) pleasure for many of us. A lot of our favorite family recipes and comfort foods fall into this category. And if you’re looking to feed yourself in a hurry or on a budget, good luck finding options that aren’t fried or greasy. Whether it’s a burger and fries, a bucket of fried chicken, or homemade empanadas, the savory smells and satisfying crunch can be hard to resist. However, indulging in these types of foods regularly can have negative effects on your health, including an increased risk of weight gain, heart disease, and high cholesterol. That being said, there’s no harm in enjoying these foods in moderation as an occasional treat. You recognize the pattern by now: just be mindful of how often you’re indulging and balance out with healthier choices the rest of the time.
Whether they’re providing comfort, escape, or simply pleasure, these unfortunately unhealthy foods have a place in all our hearts. So it can be understandably hard to put them down. But if you eat better, you’ll feel better: give it even a month and the results may astound you. Keep it up long enough, and you’ll find yourself craving salads over sweets. (Does that sound crazy? Try it: a craving’s just the memory of a habit; change the habit and the craving will follow.) Put simply, if you adhere to a low-sodium, low-sugar diet filled with vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains, your body is sure to thank you.
And if that sentence sounded depressing to you, I get it. But this isn’t meant to be a joyless regimen you need to adhere to at all costs. There are countless delicious, satisfying meals that meet those criteria. (In fact, we have a post about just those sorts of options coming in the next month.) And you don’t have to bid your old faves farewell forever, either. Do treat yourself every so often, but consider limiting your portion sizes and be mindful of the triggers that will cause a downward spiral away from your health goals. If you have a hard time saying no to foods you love, try thinking of it instead as saying yes to health and beauty. With practice, it gets easier; with willpower comes confidence. And there’s nothing sexier than confidence.
For more tips on how to nourish yourself so that you look and feel your best, book an appointment or drop by our clinic in Pharr today. Let us help you find the best version of you!