15 Foods Doctors Want You to Stop Eating for a Healthier Diet

15 Foods Doctors Want You to Stop Eating for a Healthier Diet As the old adage goes, "you are what you eat." The food we consume has a profound impact on our overall health and wellbeing. While it's easy to get caught up in the latest fad diets and trendy ingredients, some foods are downright detrimental to our health. We spoke with top doctors and nutritionists to get the lowdown on the foods they wish we'd stop eating. From sugary snacks to processed meats, here are the top 15 foods doctors want you to limit or avoid for a healthier diet. 1. Sugary Soda "Sugary soda is one of the worst offenders when it comes to unhealthy foods," says Dr. Jennifer Haythe, a cardiologist at Columbia University Medical Center. "Not only is it high in empty calories, but it's also been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer." 2. Processed Meats Processed meats like hot dogs, sausages, and bacon are high in sodium and preservatives, which can increase blood pressure and contribute to certain types of cancer. "Limiting processed meats is essential for maintaining good health," advises Dr. David Katz, a preventive medicine specialist at Yale University.

3. Refined White Bread Refined white bread is made from stripped-down, nutrient-poor flour that's been stripped of its fiber and nutrients. "Choose whole grain bread instead, which is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals," recommends Dr. Kristin Kirkpatrick, a registered dietitian at the Cleveland Clinic. 4. Fried Foods Fried foods like french fries, fried chicken, and doughnuts are high in calories, fat, and sodium. "Fried foods are a major contributor to weight gain, heart disease, and certain types of cancer," warns Dr. Haythe.

5. High-Sugar Cereals Many popular breakfast cereals are high in added sugars, which can lead to a rapid spike in blood sugar levels. "Choose cereals that are low in added sugars and high in fiber and protein," advises Dr. Katz. 6. Processed Snack Foods Processed snack foods like chips, crackers, and cookies are high in empty calories, added sugars, and unhealthy fats. "Limiting processed snack foods is essential for maintaining a healthy weight and reducing the risk of chronic diseases," recommends Dr. Kirkpatrick. 7. Red Meat While an occasional steak or burger is unlikely to cause harm, regular consumption of red meat has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. "Choose lean protein sources like poultry, fish, and plant-based options instead," advises Dr. Haythe.

8. Full-Fat Dairy Products Full-fat dairy products like cheese, whole milk, and cream are high in saturated fat and calories. "Choose low-fat or fat-free dairy products instead, which are rich in protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients," recommends Dr. Katz. 9. Candy and Baked Goods Candy and baked goods like cakes, cookies, and pastries are high in added sugars, unhealthy fats, and empty calories. "Limiting these foods is essential for maintaining a healthy weight and reducing the risk of chronic diseases," advises Dr. Kirkpatrick. 10. Frozen Meals Frozen meals like TV dinners and pizza are high in sodium, preservatives, and unhealthy fats. "Choose whole, unprocessed foods instead, which are rich in essential nutrients and fiber," recommends Dr. Haythe. 11. Energy Drinks Energy drinks like Red Bull and Monster are high in caffeine, sugar, and other stimulants that can increase heart rate and blood pressure. "Limiting energy drinks is essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure and reducing the risk of heart disease," advises Dr. Katz. 12. Fruit Juice While fruit juice may seem like a healthy option, it's often high in added sugars and lacking in essential nutrients like fiber and protein. "Choose whole fruits instead, which are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals," recommends Dr. Kirkpatrick. 13. Canned Goods Canned goods like soups, beans, and vegetables are high in sodium and preservatives, which can increase blood pressure and contribute to certain types of cancer. "Choose fresh or frozen options instead, which are rich in essential nutrients and fiber," advises Dr. Haythe. 14. High-Sodium Condiments High-sodium condiments like soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, and fish sauce can increase blood pressure and contribute to certain types of cancer. "Choose low-sodium options instead, which are rich in flavor and essential nutrients," recommends Dr. Katz. 15. Artificially Sweetened Foods Artificially sweetened foods like diet soda, sugar-free gum, and low-calorie desserts may seem like a healthy option.