When trying to shed a few pounds, it's not just about how much you eat but also what you eat.
Some foods are surprisingly high in calories and not very filling, which can make it harder to stay on track.
At the same time, certain foods can cause blood sugar spikes or trigger cravings that lead you to eat more than you originally planned.
If you want to make weight loss a bit easier, keeping an eye on certain foods that quickly add up in calories can be a good idea.
Many of them may seem harmless, but they can make a significant difference if you're not mindful of portions.
Luckily, it's not about cutting everything out – just about making smarter choices.
Soda

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This one is pretty obvious – soda is basically liquid sugar.
It gives you a quick energy boost, but it doesn’t last long, and you often end up feeling even hungrier afterward.
Plus, it can cause your body to retain water, which isn’t exactly helpful when you're trying to lose weight.
Chicken

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Chicken sounds healthy, right?
And it can be – but if it’s fried in oil or breaded, the calorie content quickly skyrockets.
This can make it harder to manage weight loss, especially if you eat it frequently.
Instead, opt for grilled or oven-baked chicken to save on calories.
Cheese

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Cheese is delicious, but it’s also one of those foods where it's easy to eat more than you think.
It's packed with fat and calories, so if you're trying to lose weight, cutting back – especially on the fattier varieties – can be a good idea.
But hey, a little cheese now and then won’t hurt!
Bacon

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Bacon tastes amazing, but it’s also one of the fattiest types of meat you can find.
Just a few slices can make it harder to maintain a calorie deficit.
Plus, its high salt content can cause your body to retain water, which isn’t ideal if you're trying to slim down.
Alcohol

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Alcohol and weight loss rarely go hand in hand.
It's full of hidden calories and also slows down your metabolism while making you hungrier.
On top of that, after a few drinks, people often lose their good judgment – which can easily lead to a late-night pizza run.
Pizza

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We love pizza, but let’s be honest – it’s a bomb of carbs, fat, and calories.
The dough, cheese, and toppings make it extremely calorie-dense, meaning you can easily eat more than you need.
If you’re trying to lose weight, it might be a good idea to save pizza for a special occasion.
Fruit Juice

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It sounds healthy, but fruit juice is basically just sugar in liquid form – without the fiber that usually makes fruit filling.
This means your blood sugar spikes and drops quickly, making you hungrier.
If you want something fresh, it’s better to eat fruit in its natural form.
Kaffe

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Coffee itself isn’t so bad, but it quickly becomes a calorie trap when you add milk, sugar, and syrups.
Plus, caffeine can affect your blood sugar and trigger cravings later in the day.
If you drink coffee daily, keeping it simple – or switching to tea now and then – might be a good idea.
Olive oil

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Olive oil is healthy, but it’s still fat – and fat is calorie-dense.
This means that even though it's good for you, too much can make weight loss harder.
A small spoonful here and there is fine, but if you drizzle it over everything, the calories add up quickly.
Bread

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Bread is a classic, but white bread in particular doesn’t provide much satiety for the number of calories it contains.
Many types of bread also contain a lot of sugar, which can cause blood sugar fluctuations.
If you love bread, opt for whole grain varieties – they keep you full longer and provide more sustained energy.
Whole Milk

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Whole milk tastes great, but it’s also quite high in fat, meaning more calories per glass.
If you drink milk daily and are trying to cut calories, switching to a lower-fat version might be a good idea.
Plant-based alternatives can also be a great option.
Avocado

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Avocado is super healthy, but it's also packed with fat, which means the calories add up fast.
If you eat it daily while trying to lose weight, watching your portion size might be a good idea.
Half an avocado can be plenty!
Red Meat

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Red meat is delicious and filling, but it also contains quite a bit of fat, especially in fattier cuts.
This can make it harder to keep your calorie intake low, especially if you eat it often.
Try switching things up with lean meats like chicken or fish for a lighter alternative.
Peanut Butter

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Peanut butter tastes amazing and is full of protein, but it’s also a calorie bomb.
A small spoonful here and there is fine, but it’s easy to overeat.
If you’re trying to lose weight, measuring how much you actually use can be a good idea – those calories add up fast!