2 Ingredients Nutritionists Say No One Should Be Cooking With Anymore With Because They Make Weight Loss So Much Harder

above view of women eating a plate of chicken

Some unhealthy foods are no brainers to avoid when you’re trying to lose weight: fattening donuts, salty potato chips, greasy cheeseburgers. However, a few detrimental ingredients may be sneaking their way into your daily diet without a second thought. Eating healthy isn’t just about cutting out junk food; it’s also about making smart decisions when cooking your own meals, which is why it’s so important to be aware of which ingredients could be putting your goal weight at risk.

To discover some of the worst options out there, we spoke to health experts Lisa Richards, nutritionist and creator of The Candida Diet, and Krutika Nanavati, Registered Nutritionist and Dietitian. They pointed out two in particular you should cut down on whenever possible: refined flour and cooking oils.

spoons of flower on wooden table beside wheat and grains

Refined Flour

If you bake frequently, you likely go through a good amount of flour. However, Nanavati points out that you should be cautious of the refined variety because it can “sabotage your weight loss efforts.” Yikes!  This is mainly due to the fact that refined flour, like many processed ingredients, is “high in calories and has little nutritional value.”

Additionally, another major risk of this ingredient is high blood sugar. Nanavati explains that “refined flour is higher on the glycemic index than whole wheat flour, meaning it raises your blood sugar levels more quickly. This can lead to increased hunger and cravings, and may contribute to weight gain,” he warns. What’s more, if you frequently indulge in foods made with refined flour, you’re also putting yourself at a higher risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. “Instead, try using whole wheat flour or almond flour,” Nanavati concludes.

woman with apron on pouring cooking oil into pan

Cooking Oils

Another common ingredient that could be wreaking havoc on your body and slowing your weight loss progress is none other than infamous cooking oils. “Oils are among the worst ingredients to cook with if you’re wanting to lose weight,” Richards tells us. “This is because they are very calorie-dense and provide little in the way of nutrients the body actually needs. Essentially, they are empty calories.”

Of course, it’s very difficult to cut all oil out of your diet for good, as some recipes can’t do without them. However, Richards notes that they’re not always necessary, especially in the high amounts many recipes call for. “For instance, when sauteing vegetables recipes will typically call for oil of some sort, about 2 tablespoons. This can be avoided by replacing oil for water or a low-calorie sauce like liquid aminos or balsamic vinegar,” she says. Noted!

There’s a similar story when it comes to cooking oil sprays, which she explains contain unnatural additives such as lecithin, “which acts as an emulsifier and dimethyl silicone which is an anti-foaming agent.” One exception is avocado oil, which makes a great replacement to your typical cooking oil spray.

Switching up your diet and cooking habits surely isn’t easy. However, if you want to see the fastest weight loss results possible, some sacrifices may be in order. That’s why, whenever possible, choosing healthy alternatives to fattening ingredients like these is always your best bet.