10 Foods You Should Cut Back On in 2018

If you want to be healthier next year, here are 10 foods you should cut back on to make your health and fitness goals a reality.

Are you looking to live a healthier life in the New Year? Eating right and cutting back on the foods that can harm you is the perfect starting point. It can be hard to know which foods to omit, which is why we have compiled a list of 10 foods you should cut back on in 2018 below. Keep this list handy so when you are meal planning or have the urge to snack, you can make an informed and healthy choice that is sure to benefit your health goals.

10 Foods You Should Cut Back On in 2018

1. Highly processed foods.
These foods tend to be high in sodium and fat and are lacking in nutrients. They lose much of their nutritional value during processing, and are typically labeled as snack foods. This includes chips, snack mixes, frozen snack foods, and other food items which have been preserved to ensure a long shelf life. So what is a safe bet? Fresh food that it is sold in its natural state and hasn’t been processed in any way.

2. Fried foods.
Fried foods don’t just mean fried onion rings and french fries. It also means fried snack foods such as chips and crisps, fried donuts, or other items prepared in oil. Instead, opt for baked items such as baked chicken and baked pretzels.

3. Sugary sodas.
Sugary sodas can be quite addictive, so if you are having trouble cutting back try carbonated waters that are sugar-free. Avoid sodas, sugary sports drinks, or fruit beverages that contain fructose. Water is always your best bet. You can add flavor by making fruit infused water like this cantaloupe and cucumber infused water.

4. Starchy side dishes.
These side dishes tend to include corn, pasta, white rice, potatoes, fries, and bread. Instead opt for side dishes such as fresh green vegetables, fresh salads, or zoodles. These are just as filling and a healthier option.

5. White bread and white potatoes.
Say no to white foods such as white bread, white pasta, and white potatoes. Opt for healthier versions such as brown rice, whole grain bread, and sweet potatoes. They have more nutrients and are just as filling with less starch and sugars.

6. Alcoholic beverages.
This is a big no-no. Many of these drinks are high in calories and can even contain insane amounts of sugar. Plus, alcohol can be tough on the body as well. So avoid these drinks or minimize your consumption. Sparkling water is always a better choice.

7. Convenience foods.
Foods like microwavable pizzas, burritos, and even waffles are highly processed and contain a great deal of fat and sodium. Opt for other quick snacks instead. Some great ideas are fresh veggie sticks with dip, fruit with peanut butter, or almonds.

8. Ice cream.
High in sugar and fat, ice cream is never a healthy choice. Instead, opt for frozen ice treats like sugar-free fruit bars, or even frozen yogurt. They have less fat and sugar and are just as tasty. You can even make your own frozen yogurt and fruit popsicles.

9. Fatty salad dressings.
Don’t ruin a healthy salad by loading it down with fat and calories. Skip the ranch and thousand island dressing and opt for a low-fat vinaigrette or fat-free Italian dressing instead. Making your own salad dressings, like this homemade Greek dressing, is a great way to control the calorie content.

10. Pork.
Pork tends to be high in fat, which is why many people substitute it with turkey and chicken. Opt for turkey bacon or chicken sausages instead of pork, and you will ingest fewer calories and less fat.

Are you ready for a healthier version of you? Consider these 10 foods you should cut back on in 2018 and see how they can make a meaningful difference to your overall health and well being.