Health Experts Say You Should Cut Out These 9 Unexpected Foods Because They’re Causing Inflammation And Weight Gain: Processed Meat With Added Sugar, More

Inflammation and weight gain are common concerns that can impact overall health and well-being. Surprisingly, certain ingredients found in everyday meals may contribute to these issues. Identifying and avoiding these foods is key to managing inflammation and supporting healthy weight management.

By cutting out these nine surprising ingredients, you can take proactive steps towards improving your health and vitality. Read on to find out why health experts recommend staying away from these inflammatory foods.

1. Processed Meat With Added Sugar

The combination of processed meats with added sugars exacerbates the inflammatory response in the body. The excessive consumption of added sugars can lead to spikes in blood sugar levels , triggering inflammatory pathways and contributing to chronic inflammation. Moreover, this type of meat is often high in calories and unhealthy fats, making them a significant contributor to excess calorie intake and weight gain.

The added sugars in meats are often overlooked, which is why Jacek Szymanowski , PN certified nutritionist and health coach, brings attention to some examples. "Some processed meat, particularly those in marinades such as teriyaki chicken and barbecue ribs, may contain added sugar. Excess sugar consumption causes inflammation and may lead to weight gain over time," he notes.

2. Highly Processed Meat Alternatives

Highly processed meat alternatives, such as plant-based burgers, vegetarian sausages and hot dogs, meatless deli slices, and vegan nuggets and tenders, are often marketed as healthier alternatives to conventional meat. But, they may actually contribute to inflammation and weight gain due to their composition and processing methods. These products typically contain a variety of additives, preservatives, and artificial ingredients to mimic the taste and texture of real meat.

Szymanowski agrees and says, "Highly processed meat alternatives such as vegan sausages, nuggets, and burgers may contain ingredients that promote inflammation, such as preservatives, refined oils, and additives."

3. Store-bought Cookies

Store-bought cookies , laden with refined sugars, unhealthy fats, and artificial additives, can contribute significantly to weight gain and inflammation. The high sugar content in these sweet treats not only leads to an increased calorie intake but also triggers insulin spikes, promoting fat storage.

Valeria Dolbel , founder of Beauty Diets, says cookies count as a "food category that contributes the most calories accounted for added sugar intake yet provide little to no nutritional value." She further adds, "Low fiber and highly refined grains increase the risk of weight gain and higher levels of belly fat," adding that your favorite cookie likely "causes belly fat due to highly-processed ingredients such as butter, sugar, and refined flour."

4. Processed Granola Bars

Packed with hidden sugars, preservatives, and refined grains, these seemingly wholesome bars can disrupt metabolic balance, leading to increased calorie intake and potential weight gain.

"Granola bars are the worst 'healthy' food for weight loss because they are full of inflammatory ingredients that prevent weight loss, including refined sugars and grains. Many food manufacturers claim that their granola bars are healthy because they contain oats, but the added ingredients in granola bars are what makes them so unhealthy," says Heather Hanks , a nutritionist at Medical Solutions Barcelona.

5. Donuts

Store-bought donuts, with their enticing glazes and sugary toppings, are often a culprit when it comes to weight gain and inflammation.

Lisa Richards , nutritionist and creator of the Candida Diet, explains why cutting them out for a flatter belly by spring may be a good idea: "Donuts have a high content of refined sugars, unhealthy fats, and processed ingredients. They are typically made with refined wheat flour and packed with added sugars, causing a rapid rise in blood glucose levels when consumed. This sudden spike in blood sugar triggers a corresponding surge in insulin to regulate sugar levels, which can be harmful to the body in the long term and lead to insulin resistance."

6. Dried Fruit

While dried fruits are often considered a healthy snack, their concentrated sugar content can contribute to weight gain and inflammation when consumed in excess.

"Dried fruit is a healthy snack in moderation, but unfortunately it is mostly consumed in large amounts," notes registered dietitian Trista Best . "This food is dehydrated which makes the sugar and calorie count highly concentrated and higher than raw whole fruit."

7. Fruit Juice

When fruits are juiced, their natural sugars become concentrated, leading to a beverage that is calorie-dense and can disrupt blood sugar levels. Excessive sugar intake is associated with weight gain and can trigger inflammatory responses in the body.

"When choosing a fruit juice, check for one that is 100% fruit juice, which means there is no added sugar. Some fruit juice may have as much added sugar as a can of soda, which can lead to an instant spike in blood sugar," Sheri Berger, RDN, CDCES, says.

8. Flavored Coffee Drinks

These beverages, ranging from flavored lattes to sweetened iced coffees, frequently contain substantial amounts of added sugars. The excessive consumption of liquid sugars in flavored coffee drinks can lead to rapid spikes in blood sugar levels, triggering an inflammatory response in the body. Its significant sugar content is widely known for contributing to extra weight when consumed excessively.

Kimberly Booker , RD, elaborates further and reveals that "these drinks often contain high amounts of added sugars, syrups, and whipped cream, contributing to excessive calorie intake. The high sugar content can lead to inflammation and increased fat storage. Consuming liquid calories alongside a meal may not provide the same feeling of fullness as eating solid food, potentially leading to additional calorie consumption throughout the day. The combination of caffeine and sugar may also disrupt blood sugar levels and contribute to inflammation over time."

9. Trans Fats

Trans fats, commonly found in many processed foods at grocery stores, are artificially created fats. Despite some countries implementing regulations to limit trans fats in food products, they can still be present in various snacks, baked goods, and fried foods on grocery store shelves.

Dr. Zeeshan Afzal, MD, from Welzo.com , states that trans fats are notoriously known for causing inflammation and weight gain. "Trans fats are artificially created fats found in many processed and fried foods, such as certain types of margarine, baked goods, and fried snacks. Trans fats can promote inflammation by increasing markers of inflammation in the body and contribute to weight gain by negatively affecting metabolism."

It's crucial for consumers to read food labels carefully and choose products with minimal or zero trans fats to protect their cardiovascular health and overall well-being.