5 Processed Snacks To Consider Avoiding This Spring Because They Could Lead To Belly Fat, According To Experts: Granola Bars & More

If you’re working towards a healthier body as we gear up for the summer months, you’re likely reevaluating your dietary choices. Indeed, maintaining a balanced diet is a crucial part of leading a healthy lifestyle, especially if you’re trying to lose weight. In addition to adding the right foods to your plate, it’s also important to limit your intake of processed foods—including many popular snacks.

To shed some light on a few of the worst processed snacks that are likely to lead to belly fat, we spoke to health experts Joanna Wen, founder of Spices & Greens , and Lisa Andrews , MEd, RD, LD, a registered dietitian nutritionist. They told us that potato chips, ice cream, cookies, chocolate-dipped granola bars, and muffins should all be avoided if you want a flatter belly this spring. Learn more about the risks below.

1. Potato Chips

When it comes to snacks, it doesn't get as classic as good old potato chips . Unfortunately, this go-to option is also terrible for your body when consumed in excess—starting with the fact that they're so easy to overindulge in. Wen warns that this snack is as unhealthy as it is tasty. "Many chips are fried in unhealthy oils and coated with salt, making them very high in calories and unhealthy fats," she says. Then there's the fact that, although this snack will load your diet with calories, it offers virtually no nutritional value. They "contain little to no fiber, which can help to keep you feeling full and prevent overeating." Without a good amount of fiber, you'll be much more likely to eat more fattening foods later in the day, which will slow your weight loss progress. Yikes!

2. Ice cream

Craving something sweet rather than salty? You may find yourself reaching for ice cream. When it's time for dessert, it can feel almost impossible to turn down this creamy indulgence. However, turning it down is the best option for your health, especially if you're trying to slim down. "Ice cream is high in calories and often contains large amounts of added sugar, which can lead to weight gain," Wen warns, pointing out that "it often contains unhealthy fats as well." When you add in all the flavors and toppings typically found in popular options, insult is added to injury. "Many ice cream flavors are loaded with empty calories from syrups and other flavorings," Wen points out. This means you're much better off finding a healthier way to please your sweet tooth .

3. Cookies

If you fall into the camp of those who can't get enough sweet stuff, you're likely familiar with the irresistible pull of cookies. However, Wen warns, cookies are one of the worst culprits as far as weight gain goes. "Cookies are often loaded with sugar and white flour, which can cause blood sugar spikes and lead to belly fat storage," she says. And just as with potato chips (and most snacks out there) this sweet treat tends to be very low in fiber. So, just like a bag of chips probably won't tide you over till dinner, a cookie won't either. It's likely you'll either find another unhealthy snack to munch on, or stuff yourself when supper rolls around—both of which can be detrimental to your weight loss goals.

4. Chocolate-Dipped Granola Bars

Granola bars may seem like a healthy on-the-go option when you need something to tide you over, but don't be fooled. This snack can still be packed with sugar and unhealthy ingredients—especially when it comes to chocolate-dipped varieties. While granola itself is often considered a nutritious option, the addition of chocolate coating can introduce refined sugars and unhealthy fats. The sweet, indulgent taste of chocolate may lead to overconsumption, as individuals may perceive these bars as a healthier treat. "While these may be marketed as a healthy snack, they are basically candy bars in disguise. Most are high in sugar and saturated fat with little nutrition inside. They may cause weight gain in your belly if they become a staple in your pantry," Andrews says.

5. Muffins

Muffins can also be deceptive contributors to the accumulation of belly fat. Many commercially available muffins, especially those found in grocery stores or coffee shops, are laden with refined sugars , unhealthy fats, and excessive calories. "You may call them muffins, but my brain says, cake. Whether they're from a bakery or a box, traditional muffins are high in calories and fat, which could lead to belly fat over time. Some of them contain over 350 calories per muffin," Andrews warns.

Although it's always okay to treat yourself every once in a while, staying away from processed, fattening options like this is in your health's best interest.