If you're trying to shed the pounds, you're likely sticking to a diet of whole grains, fruits and veggies. Of course, there is going to be the occasional moment when you choose to indulge, which is totally okay. But if you really want to stay slim and keep that glowing and youthful complexion, there are some foods that you should steer clear of.
Store-bought frosting
There's nothing better than a little cake topped with a lot of frosting, but next time you whip up a tiered confection, make sure your frosting is made from scratch. Not only is it more delicious that way, but the store-bought frosting is packed with trans fats, which are your waistline's worst enemy. Trans fat raises your levels of bad cholesterol and lowers the good, and can lead to belly fat. Plus, the more sugar you consume, the more prone your skin may be to maladies like acne and premature wrinkles.
Bagels
This popular morning meal smeared with cream cheese is a top choice among many. Although it may fill you up and satisfy your taste buds, you may want to pick a new breakfast item. Just one bagel provides between three and six servings of grains, which is some peoples' carbohydrate allotment for the entire day. You may grab a whole wheat bagel and think you're making a healthy choice, but even the whole wheat bagels are usually only partly whole wheat, which means you're getting refined flour with no fiber or nutrients.
Sugar-laden beverages
We've known for years that soda isn't good for us because of the large amounts of sugar it contains. But some forget about other drinks that are disguised as healthy alternatives to soda, but pack just as much sugar, like sweetened teas or juices. Those empty calories camp out right on your waistline and although they lower cholesterol, they're lowering the good cholesterol levels and increasing triglycerides, which contribute to poor heart health.
Grits
This is a hyper-refined carbohydrate that lacks significant amounts of vitamins and minerals. What they do contain, however, is lots of butter and heavy cream, making them a worst enemy both to your waistline and to your heart.
Donuts
Processed baked goods like donuts and mini muffins are great for a quick and tasty breakfast if you need to run out the door, but they have tons and tons of calories as well as unwanted sugar, making them hard to digest. Because they have preservatives, they can sit on the shelf for a long period of time without breaking down. The amount of sugar in these pastries can cause inflammation of the skin. As hard as it may be, skip the donut and go with fresh fruit or yogurt when you're looking for your morning breakfast fix.
Certain cereals
You know the cereals I'm talking about – all of the ones you used to enjoy as a kid (and probably still enjoy as an adult) could be contributing to weight problems and poor skin. Frosted Flakes and Cap'n Crunch can wreak havoc on those with sensitive skin, causing them to break out and even see an uneven skin tone. Try low sugar options and if you need a little sweetness, try adding fruit like strawberries, bananas or raspberries.
