When it comes to healthy eating, most people focus on adding more fruits, vegetables, or lean proteins into their meals.
But nutrition experts say that what you cut out can sometimes make an even bigger difference.
Dietitian Maria Schwabauer recently shared her list of the worst offenders for anyone hoping to avoid extra weight gain — and the foods she highlights might be more common in your diet than you think.
Why Processed Meats Are a Problem
Schwabauer didn’t hold back when it came to sausages, frankfurters, and other processed meats.
She explained that even the more expensive brands aren’t as wholesome as people might believe.
Hidden inside are fillers like starch, cartilage, carrageenan, and nitrates — all of which do little for your health but a lot for your appetite.
“They’re loaded with calories and animal fats but provide almost no real protein,” she noted, warning that regular consumption can quickly add inches to your waistline.
Pastries and Sweets Packed with Margarine
For anyone with a sweet tooth, Schwabauer’s advice might sting.
She pointed out that many popular baked goods — from shortbread cookies and waffles to inexpensive cakes and pastries — are often made with margarine.
This ingredient makes them especially unhealthy, piling on empty calories while offering little nutritional benefit.
Over time, she says, these treats can become a silent driver of weight gain.
The Hidden Dangers of Juices, Sauces, and Fried Foods
It’s not just obvious indulgences that make the list. Schwabauer also cautioned against relying too heavily on fruit juices and store-bought sauces, which can be packed with sugar and hidden calories.
Deep-fried foods like French fries, fried pies, and chebureks were also flagged as waistline wreckers.
Cooked in large amounts of oil, they deliver a calorie overload without the nutrients your body actually needs.
A Smarter Way Forward
The nutritionist’s message is clear: it’s not about giving up every food you love, but about recognizing which ones quietly sabotage your health goals.
By cutting down on processed meats, margarine-based sweets, sugary drinks, and greasy fried snacks, you’ll not only protect your waistline but also boost your overall health.
