Top Foods That Halt Weight Loss

(Article first published as Top Foods to Kick for Weight Loss Success on Technorati.)

The rampant marketing of health destroying foods is responsible for the vast majority of overweight and obese Americans. Junk foods laced with high fructose corn syrup, trans fats and refined carbohydrates have become the core of the American diet, causing metabolic imbalance and excess fat storage around the abdomen.

The New York Times reports the results of a study from the International Journal of Obesity, indicating that obese people have rapidly declining health after the age of 40. This is based on the fact that 60% of those who were found to be obese were receiving prescription medications for a variety of conditions related to their weight.

These finding are certainly not surprising considering that obesity is directly linked to increased risk of heart disease, heart attack, diabetes, stroke, dementia, certain cancers, elevated triglycerides and oxidized LDL cholesterol. While obesity threatens the health and lives of millions, there’s reason for hope.

Losing as little as 5 to 10% of total weight can reverse many of the detrimental effects of obesity and restore good health. There are a number of foods lurking in every kitchen which will derail the best weight loss efforts – avoid these foods and you’ll be well on the road to reaching your weight loss goal.

Soda and Sweetened Beverages
The number one source of excess calories, soft drinks and fruit juices are packed with nutritionless calories and high fructose corn syrup. These calories are particularly evil as they’ve been shown to encourage fat storage around the abdomen.

Alcoholic Beverages

Alcoholic beverages contain no nutrients and are high in calories. Alcohol is broken down in the liver to fatty acids which are then available for storage in the liver leading to fatty liver disease and eventually to cirrhosis.

Mayonnaise and Margarine Spreads
Spreads are another weight loss buster, loaded with trans fats created during the manufacturing process. Don’t fall for the latest marketing efforts of some manufacturers indicating their product is made with healthy Omega-3 fats. These fats are unstable once processed and of no benefit to you.

Processed Deli Meats

Deli meats are as far from a natural meat source as you can find. Aside from the fact you have no idea what ingredients are in each slice, they’re loaded with excessive amounts of sodium and cancer causing nitrites.

Sausage and Hot Dogs
Hot dogs may be an American staple, but they’re loaded with calories and along with sausage and other processed meats have been implicated with a 40% increased risk of digestive cancers. They’re inexpensive and taste great, but these meats will derail your quest for weight loss.

Salad Dressings
Most salad dressings are filled with sugar (from HFCS) and trans-fats. They’ll quickly turn a healthy salad into a caloric time bomb. Make your own salad dressing using olive oil, lemon, vinegar and spices which will enhance the natural flavor of the vegetables, rather than overpower your greens with a veil of artificial flavors.

Many people understand the importance of losing weight, evidenced by the fact that 70% are dieting at any given time. Studies confirm that obesity sharply increases disease risk and requires the use of medications in an attempt to manage pending illness. Eliminate critical ‘danger foods’ from your kitchen, and you’ll be on the path to healthy weight loss and improved quality of life.