If you're trying to lose weight, you're probably wondering which foods to steer clear of while dieting. Some of the foods you should stay away from may surprise you. Instead of taking snack food and fast food packaging at face value, look a little more closely--read food labels and nutritional information posters at the fast-food restaurant the next time you're pondering what to eat.
Yogurt Raisins
Yogurt and raisins are normally healthy, low-fat, low-sugar food choices if you're working to lose weight. But yogurt-coated raisins aren't coated with yogurt. Instead, they're coated with a mixture of partially hydrogenated oil and sugar, both big things to stay away from. Sun-Maid Vanilla Yogurt Raisins have 35 raisins in a 1 oz. box. This sets you back about 120 calories and 20 percent of your recommended daily limit of saturated fat, writes "Good Housekeeping." Opt for plain raisins, instead.
Soda
Reaching for a soda when you're thirsty on a hot day seems like a no-brainer. After all, it's only water, carbonation and about 10 tsp. sugar in one can. While you're trying to lose weight, you're sabotaging your efforts if you grab that soda. Instead, drink a glass of water. It's healthier for you, has no calories and you can flavor it with a lemon slice.
By cutting out one soda a day, you are also cutting out about 150 calories, on average, according to TeensHealth, a website by the Nemours Foundation. Electrolyte sport drinks are also loaded with sugar. Instead of cutting them out completely, cut back on them.
Fast Food Burgers
One Big Mac contains approximately 540 calories. If you order two, you're taking in 1,080 calories, more than half of your daily caloric allowance if you're a woman. Similarly, a Carl's Jr. Famous Star burger with cheese has 660 calories, according to the Carl's Jr. website, while a Burger King Double Whopper with cheese sets you back 850 calories, writes Shapefit.com.
If you're pressed for time, you're better off going to a family restaurant and ordering an omelet or a plate of steak and eggs. Both of these have less than 600 calories each, according to "Good Housekeeping."
Little Tastes Add Up
You're in your kitchen, baking or cooking and you grab a spoonful here or there, tasting the food. Maybe you pass by the chocolate cake on your way to another room and you reach out and swipe a finger full of decadent chocolate icing.
If you do this several times a day, says "Good Housekeeping," you're taking in about 25 calories per spoonful or swipe. Just six tastes a day can add up to an additional 15 lbs. in one year. Instead, ask someone else to taste-test the spaghetti sauce for you. If you're really hungry, grab some fruit instead of swiping the frosting.
Milkshakes
If you're thinking about saving yourself a few calories by grabbing a large chocolate shake at McDonald's for your lunch break, think again. One of these packs a 1,160-calorie wallop, setting you back in your progress, says "Good Housekeeping." A Burger King chocolate shake with syrup contains 570 calories, according to Shapefit.com, and a Carl's Jr. chocolate hand-scooped ice cream shake has 710 calories, according to the Carl's Jr. website. Instead, grab a fruit salad with light whipped topping.
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