12 worst foods that cause belly fat
This article I will show you the 12 worst foods that cause belly fat.
Not only will you gain weight eating a lot of these 12 foods, but the weight will be mostly fat, especially around your bell.
Plus, this can lead to health issues such as heart disease and diabetes.
1. Sugary drinks
Sugary drinks like soda, energy drinks, and sports drinks are high in added sugars, which can contribute to weight gain and increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other health problems.
These drinks are also often high in calories and can lead to a calorie surplus if consumed frequently.
Sugary drinks tend to increase one’s appetite which will lead to overeating.
There are studies that have shown consuming sugary drinks will suppress hormones that regulate your appetite.
Leptin is a hormone that sends a signal to our brains that we feel full.
So when these hormones are suppressed, we will not feel full and then will tend to overeat which will cause weight gain. Plus sugar drinks are addictive as well.
2. Processed meats
Processed meats are meats that are modified to increase their shelf life and improve their taste. Such meats like bacon, sausage, and hot dogs are processed meats.
They are high in calories, sodium and unhealthy saturated fats. Eat too many of these can lead to weight gain and risk your chance of heart disease, strokes and other health issues.
3. White bread
White bread is made from refined grains, which means it is low in fiber and nutrients.
Plus, white bread and pasta are high in simple carbs as they have been refined with the bran and germ removed and leaving only the high starch.
Because of this they have a high glycemic index, which causes a spike in your blood sugar levels.
Thus, you will be hungrier and eat more and gain weight and increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
You need carbohydrates for energy, but you want to consume complex carbs instead.
4. Fried foods
Fried foods like french fries, fried chicken, and onion rings are high in unhealthy fats and calories.
These foods are fried in oil, which is high in saturated fats.
Consuming these foods regularly can lead to weight gain and increase the risk of developing heart disease and other health problems.
These will increasing the amount of fat in the body especially in the belly area.
5. Fast foods.
Fast foods are very high in bad cholesterol (LDL), which can increase risk of heart disease and strokes. They are high in sugar which can result in gaining weight and increase risk of diabetes.
They are high in salt resulting in fluid retention.
On top of that fast foods are usually larger portions than you need which results in more calories and weight gain and on the list of foods that cause belly fat.
6. Candy and sweets
Candy and sweets are high in added sugars and calories.
Consuming these foods regularly can lead to weight gain and increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other health problems.
Since Candy and sweets are not high in nutrients for your body, you will crave more food which can contribute to overeating in weight gain.
7. Ice cream
Ice cream is high in calories, sugar, and unhealthy fats.
One serving of ice cream can contain 300 calories depending on the size, flavor, and brand.
Consuming ice cream regularly can lead to weight gain and increase the risk of developing heart disease and other health problems. Ice cream is a big item of foods that cause belly fat.
8. Pizza
Pizza is made from dough that is refined flour, which has the natural fibers and nutrients removed. This dough is simple carbs that lead to a sudden increase in your blood sugar levels.
And when we eat too many simple carbs at once, our body can become resistant to insulin. As a result this can lead to weight gain.
Plus, pizza has toppings with cheese and meats, which are high in calories, unhealthy fats, and sodium. Just one single slice of pepperoni pizza can contain over 300 calories.
Consuming pizza regularly can lead to weight gain and increase the risk of developing heart disease and other health problems. This is another one of the top foods that cause belly fat.
9. Alcohol
Alcohol is high in calories and can contribute to weight gain if consumed frequently.
Moderate consumption of alcohol is not a big problem.
But excessive alcohol is a major problem. Alcohol can decrease your testosterone levels which can lead to an increase in body fat.
Plus, it decreases your natural metabolism, which can result in gaining weight. It can also increase the risk of developing liver disease, certain types of cancer, and other health problems.
10. Processed snacks
Processed snacks like chips, crackers, and cookies are often high in unhealthy fats, sodium, and added sugars.
Consuming these snacks regularly can lead to weight gain and increase the risk of developing heart disease and other health problems.
Only 15 to 20 chips may have as much as 150 to 200 calories.
Plus a bag of chips or crackers come in large packages, and it is hard to stop eating them once you open a bag and start eating. Thus, you will overeat with too many calories and tend to gain weight especially around your belly.
11. Margarine and hydrogenated oils
These products add hydrogen atoms to the unsaturated fats for the purpose of increasing their shelf life and enhancing flavors. They are added to a lot of baked goods.
These are very high in saturated fats little nutrients and can increase risk of gaining weight
12. High Calorie Coffee Drinks
Coffee drinks like mochas and lattes are high in sugar and calories.
If you have mocha coffee that might have chocolate syrup and whipped cream.
Drinking a lot of these can contribute to weight gain
In conclusion, avoiding these 12 worst foods that cause belly fat can help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of developing serious health problems.
Instead, focus on consuming a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
Check out my article on foods that burn fat.
