What You Can't Eat During a Diet
Want some fries with your apple? Or maybe a slice of pizza with your protein shake? What about a juicy burger served alongside your salad? Sure, no one says you absolutely can't eat indulgent foods when you're dieting, but it's still smart to exercise some self-control so you actually make progress. Except, that's pretty hard to do when your cravings seem more amplified when you're technically not supposed to give in, so wafting a plate of creamy pasta or cheesecake in your direction might make you instantly cave. If you're currently on a diet, beware: reading through this list might just make you hungry...
1. Pizza
Who really wants to give up pizza? It’s cheesy, gooey, filling, and one of those foods that always makes your mouth water whether you're hungry or not. Even if you’ve been doing well all week, watching everyone else grab a slice can make your self-control disappear fast.
2. French Fries
French fries are one of those foods that seem impossible to leave alone once they’re right in front of you. They’re salty, crispy, and usually served with meals that already feel like a treat, so saying no can feel especially annoying. Even when you tell yourself you’ll just have one or two, that plan doesn’t always last long.
3. Ice Cream
A lot of people want ice cream at the end of a tiring day when all you want is just something sweet and familiar while you kick back and relax. That little bowl can feel like part of your routine, which makes giving it up feel pretty impossible. Maybe you'll just have one spoonful...
4. Pasta
Pasta is hard to give up because it's easy to fix up and often indulgent (blame the carbs), depending on the sauce it comes with. It also tends to come in portions that are much bigger than you realize, and don't forget the breadsticks and grated cheese that come with the plate.
5. Bagels
Bagels can seem like a reasonable choice at first, and you might even wonder why they're on this list. But beware: they’re usually higher in calories and carbs than you might expect, especially once cream cheese, butter, or other fillings get added.
6. Burgers
There’s a reason burgers are so hard to turn down when you’re dieting. They’re filling, flavorful, and usually come with all the extras that make them even more tempting. When you’re trying to eat lighter, passing one up can feel like a bigger sacrifice than it should.
7. Chocolate
Chocolate is one of the hardest foods to cut back on because you reach for it when you want a reward or when your mood needs a boost, or when you just want a little something after a long day. But being so high in sugar and calories (and saturated fat, for some varieties), snacking on a few squares could set you back more than you think.
8. Chips
Chips are dangerous because once you start, you can't stop. You open the bag, say you'll only eat a few, and before long you’ve polished the entire bag. Their crunch and salt make them easy to keep going back to, especially when you’re distracted, and that mindless quality is exactly why they’re so hard to give up.
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9. Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, and that's why it's so hard to say no to. Creamy, rich, and (of course) ooey gooey cheesy, how could you ever turn a bowl down when it's set in front of you? For a lot of people, they'll only end up giving in.
10. Donuts
Donuts can be hard to resist, and the worst part is that they tend to appear when you’re not planning to eat one, like when a coworker brings them to work. Since they feel small and easy to justify, they can be harder to say no to than a larger dessert. That mix of convenience and sugar is what gives them so much power.
11. Fried Chicken
Fried chicken is incredibly hard to give up if you love food that feels indulgent and satisfying. The crispy coating, the seasoning, and the richness all make it feel a lot more addictive. It’s also one of those meals people crave when they want comfort. That’s why healthier substitutes often don’t feel like much of a trade.
12. Brownies
Brownies are hard to cut out because they feel richer and more satisfying than a lot of other desserts. Dense, chocolatey, and fudgey, it’s so easy to go back for another bite when they’re just sitting in the kitchen or brought out after dinner.
13. Cookies
Cookies are hard to give up because they tend to be around all the time, whether at home, in the office, during a quick coffee run, or during holidays and gatherings. Since they feel harmless in small amounts, they can be harder to control than bigger desserts.
14. Soda
Soda can be surprisingly difficult to quit, which is why most people just opt for diet varieties rather than giving it up altogether. After all, once a drink becomes part of your day and meals, cutting it out takes more effort and discipline than people think.
15. Cake
Cake is tough to avoid because it’s almost always attached to some kind of event. Birthdays, office celebrations, holidays, and family gatherings all seem to find a way to put cake in front of you. And plus, no matter whether it's a fresh fruit cake or a rich cheesecake, you just can't seem to have only one bite.
16. Boba
Boba can be really hard to give up because it's made to be addictive. And whether it’s the sweetness, the chewy pearls, or just the habit of picking one up during the day, it’s easy to build into your routine without thinking much about it. But a lot of versions are higher in sugar, fat, and calories than they seem, especially once toppings and milk are involved, so you really want to be careful about indulging in this diabetes-in-a-cup beverage.
17. Nachos
Nachos are kind of like fries: you tell yourself you’re just going to have a few bites, but once you start, it’s easy to keep reaching back in. They also tend to be served up in relaxed settings where you’re not paying close attention to portions anyway, which makes them especially difficult to resist when you’re on a diet.
18. Milkshakes
Boba isn't the only diabetes-in-a-cup drink. Milkshakes are also included in that category, which is probably why they're so hard to give up. Sweet, decadent, and topped with a mountain of whipped cream and syrup (or sometimes ice cream), it's no surprise you'll find it challenging to say no to this dessert beverage.
19. Candy
Candy is tricky because it’s another one of those foods that are so easy to eat without thinking much about it. A piece here or there might not seem like a big deal, but it can quickly add up if you're not paying attention. Since it’s always within reach, you'll probably end up eating more than you intended without even knowing it.
20. Late-Night Takeout
At the end of a long day, what better way to wash away your stress than by ordering greasy takeout? It doesn't help that ordering in is easier than cooking yourself. But once that pattern sets in, breaking it can be much harder than expected.
