Spring Clean Your Pantry To Support Weight Loss

The battle to achieve and maintain a healthy weight isn’t won on one field. Diet, exercise, emotional support, medical intervention and education may all be part of a successful weight loss program.

That being said, diet is likely the most important factor in long-term weight loss. Spring clean your pantry and remove these unhealthy choices!

Foods to Clear From Your Pantry

Emptying your pantry from a few common but unhealthy foods can help you stick to your weight loss goals. You may be surprised to learn which everyday foods can slow weight loss and cause health  problems  Some of these choices include:

1. Processed Meats

Processed meats, like hot dogs and lunch meat, aren’t always high in calories, but they are high in salt, fat, and chemical preservatives that may put you at a higher risk for colon cancer.

You don’t have to completely give up processed meats to be healthy and stimulate weight loss, but look for uncured, low-sodium versions with the highest possible fiber content instead.

2. Low Fat Foods

Low fat treats, such as cookies or yogurt, can sabotage your diet. Many low fat foods are actually high in calories because sugar and other fillers are added for extra flavor.

Eating low-fat foods can also tempt us to over-indulge.After all, it’s low-fat. Choose real foods with natural ingredients, like unsweetened, high-protein yogurt, and add fresh fruit or a teaspoon of honey to satisfy your sweet tooth.

3. Trans Fats

Margarine is one of the biggest sources of trans fats consumed in the United States. Though technically “cholesterol free,” margarine can actually elevate cholesterol levels and cause damage to blood vessel walls. 

Stick with monounsaturated fats like olive oil and nut oils instead. Monounsaturated fats are safe for your diet and will help kickstart weight loss.

4. Poor Glycemic Index Foods

Bye-bye bagels! Monitoring carbohydrates is an inescapable part of any weight loss program, but some carbs are worse than others. Bagels have an unusually high glycemic index which can sabotage your diet. They can also lead to a host of health problems, such as inflammation and increased insulin.

Opt for high-fiber, whole-grain bread or an English muffin instead. To learn about the glycemic index for a variety of common foods, check out this chart cited from the USDA.

5. Jarred Sauces

Jarred spaghetti sauce is convenient and is used in a variety of healthy dishes. It seems like a sauce made mostly from tomatoes should be low-calorie, but most pre-made sauces are loaded with sugar.

Avoid any jarred sauce with added meat or cheese —they’re usually high in fat and are filled with chemicals. Additionally, read labels carefully to find a brand without added sugar. If none are available, make your own diet-friendly sauce from canned crushed whole tomatoes and seasonings.

Olde Del Mar Surgical Can Provide More Healthy Eating Tips

Spring cleaning your pantry and refrigerator is one more way to help you reach your health and weight loss goals! Our dietitian would love to guide you in making healthy diet modifications, whether you’ve gone through bariatric surgery or are pursuing alternatives to weight loss surgery. Contact Olde Del Mar Surgical to learn more.