9 foods to avoid for faster weight loss

When it comes to weight loss, it is important to follow the concept of calorie deficit. All the fitness experts and dieticians suggest to follow the rules of calorie deficit to lose those extra kilos. And in that process, people often start adding foods like protein bars and nut butters in their diet. But did you know many of them are not actually helping you? Yes, breaking the myth, Aarja Bedi, a fitness coach, who underwent a remarkable transformation, shedding 10 kilos recently shared a reel on Instagram, where she explained about such foods that are not fat killers. She wrote,"There are some foods that make staying in a calorie deficit way harder than it needs to be — either because they spike cravings, pack hidden calories, or leave you feeling hungrier. These are a few I personally don’t recommend if your goal is fat loss." Take a look.

Granola is calorie-dense, often containing 200–300+ calories per small serving—without being very filling. The store-bought ones have added sugars from honey, syrups, or dried fruits, which can spike blood sugar and contribute to fat storage. Also, some granolas contain added oils or fats to enhance flavor and crunch, adding more hidden calories.

The store-bought bars often contain 200–400 calories per bar, which is quite high for a snack—especially if you're trying to stay in a calorie deficit. To enhance the taste, these bars are often loaded with added sugars, sugar alcohols, or artificial sweeteners, which can cause cravings, bloating, or digestive issues. Most commercial protein bars are highly processed, filled with preservatives, synthetic fibers, and ingredients that offer little nutritional value beyond protein. Bars high in protein and low in sugars/fats are less likely to contribute to fat gain. Also, bars with lots of added sugars or fats can lead to excess calorie intake. The protein supports muscle building, while carbs and fats supply energy and extra calories

Açaí itself is low in sugar, but most bowls include banana, honey, granola, and other fruits, turning it into a sugar bomb that can spike your blood sugar and lead to cravings later. As per her post, it can hit 600-900 calories without much protein or fat.

Nut butters like peanut or almond butter contain around 90–100 calories per tablespoon. Many commercial nut butters include added sugar, salt, or hydrogenated oils, which can make them more processed and calorie-heavy. Healthy fats and protein slow sugar absorption, helping regulate blood sugar spikes.

As per her post, they have zero fiber, and have liquid sugar, which can result in insulin spike, crash, and can make you hungry again i

They have added sugar and no real protein. Many flavored yogurts contain thickeners, flavorings, and preservatives, making them more like a dessert than a healthy snack. "Low-fat" and "fruit-flavored" often sound healthy, but many of these yogurts are more like sugary puddings with a few probiotics.

As per her post, “Vegan” doesn’t mean low-cal. Most of them are still full of fats and sugars (just plant-based). Vegan desserts often rely on dates, agave, coconut sugar, or maple syrup for sweetness. These are “natural,” but they still spike blood sugar and contribute to calorie intake just like regular sugar. Also, many vegan desserts are low in protein and fiber, making them less filling and more likely to leave you hungry again soon.

Avocados are nutritious but calorie-dense—just half an avocado has around 120–150 calories. Add in bread (especially thick sourdough or multigrain), and you’re easily looking at 300–500+ calories per slice. Avocado and toast are mostly fats and carbs. Without a protein source, the meal may not keep you full for long, leading to hunger and more snacking. Also, adding extras like poached eggs, seeds, feta, or oil drizzles add flavor—but also calories and fat, making it hard to stay in a calorie deficit. Eating multiple slices or large amounts of avocado without balancing the rest of your diet can create a calorie surplus leading to weight gain.

They have refined starches with flavour sprinkled on and can only lead to weight gain. Most store-bought veggie chips are not just dried vegetables—they’re often fried or baked in oil, heavily processed, and stripped of fiber and nutrients. Many brands add excessive sodium and artificial flavorings, which can lead to water retention and cravings and lead to overeating.

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