Carbs are tasty and nutritious, despite popular belief. However, refined grain breads and pastries may make weight loss harder.
Feder warns that refined carbohydrates like white rice, bread, and pasta are heavy in calories but deficient in minerals and fiber. "This can add unnecessary low-nutrient calories to your day leading to weight gain."
Sweet tooth? We sympathize. Unfortunately, quitting sugar is necessary for a flatter stomach. As you lose weight, avoid processed meals and drinks with added sugar.
"Sugar is void of any nutrients and packs several calories to certain foods," Feder says. This can cause belly obesity and diabetes over time."
Healthy fats are essential to a balanced diet. If you're dieting, avoid saturated fats like trans fats.
"Manufactured trans fats are unsaturated. Gervacio says they're utilized to preserve packaged and processed meals. "It can potentially contribute to weight gain and abdominal fat accumulation, even when total calorie intake is controlled."