Milkshakes and Iced Coffees
Milkshakes and iced coffees are nothing more than dessert in a cup. They combine ice cream, syrups, whipped cream, and flavor shots that add up pretty fast calorie-wise. You end up drinking the whole thing in minutes, but those calories stick around. It’s like they say, “A moment on the lips, a lifetime on the hips.”
Fried Fish or Shrimp
Buffet fried foods like shrimp or fish are a big no-no for nutritionists. First, they’re fried, which means a lot of oil and fat. Second, buffet trays often sit out for long periods, soaking up more oil as they cool. People also tend to pile their plates high, which leads to overeating. The alternative? Freshly-fried fish and a salad.
Fried Appetizers
Mozzarella sticks, onion rings, and jalapeno poppers are tasty, but not something you should be ordering when eating out. They soak up a lot of oil, so even a small serving turns into a heavy, greasy starter. These snacks pack tons of calories, salt, and fat in just a few bites, and nutritionists skip them altogether.
Soft Drinks
There’s nothing better than a cold soda with dinner, right? Wrong! Soda is basically sugar water with bubbles. It gives you a quick rush and then leaves you feeling tired. Soda also contains no fiber, no vitamins, and nothing that actually helps your body. Nutritionists know it adds hundreds of calories to your meal without filling you up at all.
Loaded Nachos
Loaded nachos are fun for sharing, but nutritionists see them as a mountain of extra calories. The cheese, sour cream, and processed meats make the dish heavy and super salty. Most people snack on them without realizing how much they’re eating. Nutritionists know you can finish half the plate before you even taste your real meal, so they skip them entirely.
Deep-Fried Chicken
Ah, chicken wings! They’re messy, fun, and oh-so delicious. But, they’re not something you should be ordering when you consider they’re deep-fried and have tons of fat. Add in dips like ranch and blue cheese, and you’ve got a heavy meal. Just a few wings can equal the calories of a full meal.
Giant Burgers
Those big, stacked burgers look super impressive, but nutritionists see them as a calorie bomb. We’re talking multiple patties, slices of processed cheese, and sugary sauces that make you feel stuffed and sluggish. Nutritionists recommend choosing meals that keep you energized and do not fill you up too quickly.
Fried Rice or Lo Mein
Fried rice and lo mein might be delicious, but they’re loaded with sodium and drenched in oil. It looks like a simple carb dish, but each bite carries more fat than you’d expect. Many restaurants also use sauces with added sugar, so nutritionists skip these because they leave you thirsty, bloated, and more tired afterward.
Cream-Based Pasta Dishes
Creamy pastas are super comforting, right? The sauces are mostly butter, cream, and cheese, and it’s easy to finish a huge bowl without even realizing the calorie count. Nutritionists skip these heavy dishes that sit in your stomach and make you feel tired, choosing lighter sauces like tomato or olive oil.
Oversized Desserts
Nutritionists don’t hate desserts - they just avoid the really big ones like lava cakes, thick slices of cheesecake, and towering sundaes. Why? Because they can have more calories than an entire dinner. Once you start eating something sweet and rich, it’s really hard to stop. Rather choose small treats instead of one large one.
Sugary Cocktails
Sure, we all like to think we’re Carrie and the gals when we’re drinking cocktails, but they really aren’t all that good for us. They hide huge amounts of sugar, mixes, syrups, and flavored alcohols that make the calories add up fast. Party poopers? Maybe. But nutritionists know what they’re talking about when they say you should skip them.
French Fries and Loaded Potato Skins
Fries and loaded potato skins are easy comfort foods, but they’re also deep-fried and very salty. Loaded versions with cheese and bacon turn a simple potato into a heavy snack. Nutritionists know it’s hard to stop eating once you start, and prefer roasted or baked options that don’t feel greasy.
“Healthy” Granola Parfaits
Granola parfaits might look healthy, but way too many versions are loaded with sugar from the granola, yogurt, and fruit syrup. Often, they have more sugar than a dessert. Scary thought, right? Nutritionists avoid them like the plague, especially when you feel like you’re making a smart choice, but you’re really eating a sweet treat disguised as breakfast.
Deli Sandwiches
Cured meats have a long shelf life for a reason — they’re full of salt and preservatives. Nutritionists skip sandwiches made with salami, bologna, and similar meats because they’re not the freshest choice. These sandwiches often include white bread and heavy spreads, too. Nutritionists want meals that feel fresh, not processed.
Flavored Yogurts
That chocolate-flavored yogurt you enjoy as a “healthier” alternative to ice cream is not as innocent as you think it is. Many brands pack in as much sugar as a candy bar and give you a quick sugar buzz, then leave you hungry again. Nutritionists know what’s up and prefer plain yogurt with real fruit so they can control the sweetness.
White Rolls and Garlic Breads
Nutritionists don’t hate bread, but white rolls and garlic bread don’t offer much nutrition. They’re basically soft carbs with butter or oil. You fill up on them before your main meal even arrives. Nutritionists skip them so they can save room for foods that actually keep them full and energized.
Pizza With Extra Cheese and Processed Meats
Not even pizza is a safe food anymore. Pizza is fine in moderation, but nutritionists avoid versions loaded with extra cheese and processed meats. Pepperoni and sausage add salt, grease, and calories. Extra cheese makes everything even heavier, and it’s so easy to eat more slices than planned. Choose lighter toppings, and you’ll be fine.
Giant Burritos
Giant burritos are basically meals wrapped in a tortilla blanket, and we all know they’re huge. Sour cream, cheese, and fried fillings make them heavy and high in calories. Most people can’t finish one without feeling overly full. Nutritionists stick to smaller portions that don’t sit like a brick in their stomach.
Fast-Food Breakfast Sandwiches
Breakfast sandwiches from fast-food places are quick, but they’re packed with salt, processed meats, and cheese. The combination gives you a heavy start to the day. They prefer breakfasts that give steady energy, not something that feels greasy and overly filling right away. Put down the sandwich and choose something healthy.
All-You-Can-Eat Buffets
All-you-can-eat fried spots are the absolute worst if you’re trying to eat healthy. Nutritionists avoid them altogether because everything is cooked in heavy oil, which encourages overeating - and we all know how sluggish we feel after a big meal. It’s easy to lose track and keep going because you feel you need to get your money’s worth.
