5 Healthy Foods That Won't Help You Lose Weight

When you're dieting, you may turn to fruits and veggies as your unlimited option. However, not all are created equal. There are a lot of sugars and fats hiding within some of our favorite fruits, veggies and related products. So, when trying to drop some lbs, what should you avoid?

1. Tropical fruits: When we say tropical fruits, think mangos and pineapple. While delicious, these types of fruits have a higher level of sugar than most and can hold you back when trying to lose weight. We aren't saying never to eat these fruits again, but there are healthier options for those looking to drops inches.

Instead, consider an apple. They are just as tasty and full of healthy fiber! It's a great mid-afternoon snack that will keep you fueled, full and focused until the end of the day!

2. Sweet potatoes: As yummy as they are, they are one of the higher calories veggies. Just one cup of mashed sweet potatoes can be around 250 calories, while a cup of leafy greens is only about 20.

Instead, swap out your sweet potatoes for spinach and you'll see a difference on the scale. One great way to enjoy kale is with our crunchy kale chips, which have a much tastier flavor than raw kale. See how they're made by clicking here.

3. Vegetable juice blends: It can be hard to get all of your required servings of fruits and vegetables, but it's better to munch on a spinach salad at lunch than turn to a vegetable juice. Companies want their veggie juices to taste like fruit, but that means adding a lot of sugar. One can of V8 vegetable juice can have up to 600 milligrams of sodium, so while you may be getting in your daily intake of vegetables, you'll also be getting in an entire day's worth of sodium.

Instead, try a smoothie! If you can't manage to eat your greens, drink them! A green smoothie, while not visually appealing, can taste great AND get in tons of veggies. A handful of spinach will taste great when it's blended with a cup of berries! Check out these green smoothies for some tasty and healthy options.

>> Recipe: Green Monster Smoothie

4. Avocados: We love avocado for its healthy fats and creamy texture, but if you're trying to lose weight, you should switch to a different green. The calorie content in an avocado is just too high. It's okay to enjoy them everyone in a while though, because those healthy fats are good for your heart!

Instead, get your healthy fats from fish, like salmon, or take an omega-3 fatty acid supplement. To get in your veggies, eat your lunch with a side of carrots or a spinach salad! Or, share your avocado with hubby! Use a small amount and spread across whole-wheat toast.

5. Dried fruits: A small handful of dried fruit can be a healthy snack, but when you want to lose weight, not just maintain it, think twice. Dried fruit has almost all of its water content removed and has a lot more calories than an average piece of fruit. You should also be wary of the sugar content.

Instead, choose fresh fruit! Apples or orange slices are good for filling you up, but if you're looking for something to snack on, swap your dried fruit for blueberries. Eat them plain or try covering them in a healthy probiotic yogurt, like this skinny snack.