If you want to hit your training and physique goals, you need to fuel your body with the right foods. So, while junk food may be tempting, it won’t do you any favours. It goes without saying that sugary sodas and chocolate bars are top of the list but there are plenty of “healthy” options that aren’t what they seem.
So, whether it’s scaling back insulin-spiking foods or cutting down on the things that slow metabolism, if you’re munching or sipping on large quantities of these items too often, you could be inadvertently hindering progress.
White Bread
White bread is high on the Glycemic Index (GI), a system that ranks food based on its effect of blood-sugar levels. Foods with high GI have a greater impact on blood glucose levels. Opt for a whole-grain loaf instead.
Dried Fruit
Fresh fruit contains vitamins and minerals, and it’s high in both soluble and insoluble fiber. Dried or dehydrated fruit can contain added sugar and sulfur to extend its shelf life. What’s more, the removal of water from the fruit can lead to overeating.
Pre-Made Salads
Store-bought salads can quickly turn a healthy meal into a fat bomb when the add-ons and dressing are applied to the greens. Always check how many calories are in the salad – then look at the calories with the dressing that’s provided.
Processed Cold Cuts
Foods that are refined or pumped full of saturated fat or sodium should be limited. They often contain empty calories and when you take your training seriously you’re putting your body through a lot, it needs food that can help repair and replace many of the nutrients lost during a workout not food with little nutritional value.
Ice Cream
Ice cream’s high calorie, sugar, and fat content make it an undesirable dessert choice when you’re objective is to stay trim and toned. Using synthetic sugars like corn syrup as an ingredient makes it even worse. Even your “healthier” ice creams can be packed full of artificial sugars and saturated fats so always check the ingredients.
Pizza
A thin crust margherita doesn’t look so unhealthy when you dissect its ingredients—tomatoes, cheese, flour, and yeast. So what’s the problem?
When you combine the ingredients together and add saturated oil and salt things change; in fact, the average slice of pizza is about 250 calories. Adding toppings like meat can spike it up to as much as 390 calories [per slice].
The easiest way to stay on track and achieve your goals is to meal prep – control exactly what you’re eating, your portions and your macros. Alternatively why not work with Fuel-Up and get your prep delivered. Fuel-Up is 100% transparent with macro-accurate portions and personalised to help you achieve your physique goals.
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