It is widely known that a diet high in saturated fat is bad for us yet we continue to eat foods that contain it in great quantities. This might be because we have developed a taste for the wrong kind of foods or because we do not understand which foods they are. Two questions that we should always be asking ourselves are: Why reduce saturated fat in your diet and what types of foods should be avoided to stay healthy? Then we can look to balance our diet more healthily.

Here are the top five food types to avoid if you want to maintain a healthy diet.

Saturated fat

This type of fat is found in animal products such as butter, cheese, and red meat. It can also be found in vegetable oils such as coconut oil and palm oil. Saturated fat raises LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and increases the risk of heart disease.

It’s important to avoid foods that are high in saturated fat, such as processed meats, cheese, butter, and creamy sauces. Instead, we should focus on eating healthy foods that are low in saturated fat, such as fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains.

Always know the foods to avoid and the alternative foods that will prevent you from eating the unhealthy ones. This is the key to getting our diet right. Combined with exercise, diet, will be the key to maintaining health in the short and long term.

Trans fat

This type of fat is found in processed foods such as margarine, crackers, and cookies. Like saturated fats, trans fat increases LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and also makes it more likely that we might suffer from heart disease in the future.

Trans fats are created when vegetable oils are hydrogenated, which makes them solid at room temperature. Trans fats raise bad cholesterol levels and lower good cholesterol levels, which increases your risk for heart disease. They’re also linked to diabetes and obesity.

It is important to avoid the wrong kinds of fat and to understand their impact on the body.

Sodium

This mineral is found in table salt, processed foods, and fast food. Too much sodium can raise blood pressure and again increase the risk of heart disease.

To keep your salt intake under control, try to avoid processed foods, which are often high in sodium, and cook from scratch using fresh ingredients whenever possible.

Sugar

This sweetener is found in candy, cookies, cakes, and soft drinks. Too much sugar can cause weight gain and cavities.

Sugar is one of the worst things for us diet-wise. It’s packed with empty calories and can lead to weight gain and other health problems. We should avoid sugary foods as much as possible. That means steering clear of candy, sugary drinks, and baked goods.

Alcohol

This beverage is found in beer, wine, and liquor. Too much alcohol can damage the liver and increase the risk of heart disease and certain cancers.

While diet is an important consideration for living a healthy life, it’s not the only factor. Alcohol consumption is also something that should be limited for optimal health.

Alcohol is high in calories and can contribute to weight gain.

For these reasons, it’s best to avoid or limit alcohol consumption as much as possible. If you do choose to drink, do so in moderation and try to stick to low-calorie drinks like wine or light beer.

So, now you know. These are the five food and beverage types to avoid if you want to maintain a healthy diet. Remember, moderation is key. Enjoy everything in moderation and your health will thank you for it!