We all want to maintain a healthy diet, but it can be hard to identify what’s good or bad for us. So many products are full of hidden calories, fat and sugar and this will only cause weight gain. For this reason, we’ve created a list of 10 foods you should try to avoid.

1. Bagels

Bagels are just round circles of bread, right? Yes, they are. However, unlike a slice, they’re very high on the glycaemia index, and can therefore boost your insulin levels and cause inflammation in your body. So ditch the breakfast bagel and opt for a bowl of cereal, a slice of wholemeal toast or some fruit.

2. Sugary Cereal

Not all cereal is good for you. While it’s important you don’t skip breakfast in the morning, you also need to ensure you’re eating the right type of food. Cornflakes and porridge are a brilliant addition to a healthy diet plan; however, cereals that are covered in chocolate and sugar are not – so bin the Sugar Puffs and Coco Pops and opt for something a little kinder to your body.

3. Jarred Tomato Sauce

Fresh tomatoes are really good for you, and it’s encouraged they’re incorporated into a diet. That doesn’t mean, however, that jarred tomato sauce is just as good. There’s a common misconception that jarred sauces won’t add to your waistline when they actually can. Most jarred tomato sauces are packed full of sugar to keep them fresher for longer – so if you want to know what’s in your sauce then we suggest you make your own.

4. Maraschino Cherries

Never count maraschino cherries as part of your 5 a day as they offer no nutritional value to your diet whatsoever. In fact, they’re stocked full of sugar and can contain all sorts of artificial colours to give them their vibrant flush. So, if you want to add some cherries to a dessert or cocktail then opt for the real fruit.

5. Fizzy Drinks

No dietician would recommend fizzy drinks in a healthy diet, as one can drink could contain as much as 10 packets of sugar. Even the diet variety aren’t great for you, as they carbonated drink may cause damage to your teeth and cause bloating. Opt for an ice cold glass of water or fruit juice instead.

6. Baked Foods

Doughnuts, muffins and cakes are a no-no when it comes to a healthy eating plan. They’re stuffed with calories that are more than happy to sit on your waistline, and offer a high sugar content to preserve their shelf-life. So, if you want to look and feel great then ditch the baked products and opt for a piece of fruit.

7. Fast Food

You probably expected to see fast food in this list, didn’t you? That’s because the world and her husband know it’s bad for you. In addition to offering a wealth of fat and sugar, they’re also rich in food dyes, artificial flavourings and colours, sweeteners and processed meats. If you must have a burger than make a healthy version in your own home – and it’ll most likely taste better!

8. White Chocolate

You’ll be happy to know that a little bit of the right type of chocolate is good for you, as it can increase blood flow to the brain and boost your mood and focus. However, white chocolate offers no benefits to your body at all. It doesn’t encourage productivity or protect your blood vessels, unlike organic milk and dark chocolate.

9. Food Dye

Try to avoid foods that contain food dyes or stop adding them to your cooking. Research has found that food dye can cause hyperactivity in children, as well as cancer in animals. For example, one study found that Red 3 caused cancer in lab rats. Many companies use food dyes to make their foods look more appealing or healthier – which is why you should always read the list of ingredients on a package. Food dye can be found in anything from maraschino cherries to cheese.

10. Restaurant Ice Cream

Ice cream is fully of so much dairy and sugar – and it’s important you’re aware of what you’re eating at all times. However, most restaurants often provide super-sized portions of ice cream that can come with all sorts of flavourings and accompaniments. They also include all sorts of additives and genetically modified soy so they can be stored for a longer period of time. So, if you are going to eat ice cream as a treat, opt for a batch from your local supermarket so you know exactly what you’re eating and have control of the portion size.

Do you know any other foods that are bad for you? Have you seen any significant results from cutting these bad foods out of your diet? Leave us a comment.