Foods to Avoid When Losing Weight

Jun 08, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. He Haochen
Introduction
In general, foods such as instant noodles, fried chicken, chocolate cookies, ice cream, and sausages are not recommended during weight loss. The non-dairy creamer in milk tea contains trans fatty acids, while syrups or honey contribute substantial amounts of free sugars. A single cup of full-sugar milk tea may contain 500–700 kcal—equivalent to a full meal. Its high sugar content causes rapid spikes in blood glucose levels, stimulating insulin secretion and accelerating fat accumulation.

Generally, during weight loss, it is not recommended to consume foods such as milk tea, fried chicken, chocolate cookies, ice cream, and cured sausages. A detailed analysis follows:

1. Milk Tea

Milk tea contains non-dairy creamer rich in trans fatty acids, while syrups or honey contribute substantial amounts of free sugars. A single cup of full-sugar milk tea may contain 500–700 kcal—equivalent to a full meal. Its high sugar content causes rapid spikes in blood glucose, triggering excessive insulin secretion and accelerating fat accumulation. Moreover, its liquid form provides minimal satiety, increasing the risk of caloric surplus.

2. Fried Chicken

The crispy outer layer of fried chicken absorbs significant amounts of cooking oil; 100 g of fried chicken contains approximately 280 kcal. Harmful compounds such as acrylamide generated during high-temperature frying not only increase hepatic metabolic burden but also inhibit lipase activity, reducing the body’s efficiency in breaking down fat. Long-term consumption predisposes individuals to obesity and metabolic disorders.

3. Chocolate Cookies

Chocolate cookies are made from refined flour, hydrogenated vegetable oil, and sucrose, providing about 480 kcal per 100 g and containing minimal dietary fiber. This combination of high sugar and high fat can disrupt appetite regulation; refined carbohydrates are rapidly digested, causing sharp postprandial drops in blood glucose that trigger hunger and increase snacking frequency.

4. Ice Cream

Cream-based ice cream is high in both fat and sugar: half a cup (approximately 100 g) delivers 200–300 kcal. Cold temperature temporarily blunts taste perception of sweetness, leading to unintentional overconsumption. Additionally, its high-fat content delays gastric emptying, interfering with subsequent meal portion control.

5. Cured Sausage

Cured sausage contains large amounts of added salt and sucrose during processing; 100 g provides roughly 500 kcal. High sodium intake promotes water retention, masking true weight-loss progress. Meanwhile, the combination of sucrose and saturated fat exacerbates insulin resistance, impairing fat breakdown.

During weight loss, it is advisable to adopt a scientifically balanced diet while regulating eating speed and total caloric intake. Replacing processed foods with whole, natural ingredients—and engaging in regular physical activity—can significantly support effective weight management.