There are several foods in the UK that are considered high in calories and can contribute to weight gain if consumed in large quantities or as part of an unhealthy diet. It’s important to note that a balanced diet is key to maintaining a healthy weight, and moderation is crucial when consuming any high-calorie foods.
Remember, the most fattening meals are better enjoyed in moderation and/or incorporated as part of a balanced diet.
Here are some examples of foods to avoid in the UK if you want to lose weight:
10. Fish and chips
This traditional British dish typically consists of deep-fried fish and thick-cut chips (French fries). The frying process increases the calorie content significantly.
9. Full English breakfast
A hearty breakfast meal that includes bacon, sausages, fried eggs, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, and fried bread. This combination can be high in calories and saturated fat.
8. Pies and pastries
Foods like steak and kidney pie, Cornish pasties, sausage rolls, doughnuts, and pork pies can be quite high in calories due to their buttery pastry crust and high-calorie fillings/toppings.
7. Crisps and snacks
Popular snack foods such as crisps (potato chips), cheese puffs, and other savoury snacks are often high in calories, unhealthy fats, and sodium.
6. Fried Chicken
Fried chicken, particularly fast food varieties like KFC, can be high in calories, unhealthy fats, and sodium.
5. Creamy desserts
Traditional British desserts like sticky toffee pudding, treacle tart, and bread and butter pudding are often rich in calories due to their high sugar, cream, and butter content.
4. Ice cream
Although enjoyed worldwide, ice cream is available in various flavours and indulgent forms in the UK. Because they are high in sugar, fat, and calories, ice cream is a major culprit in contributing to weight gain or messing up a person’s diet plan.
3. Chocolate sweets
Chocolate bars, sweets, and other confectionery items contain high amounts of sugar, unhealthy fats, and calories.
2. Cheese-filled Burgers
Some fast food chains have variations of their burgers that include cheese inside the patty or stuffed with cheese. When burgers are made with high-fat ground beef, loaded with cheese, and topped with other high-calorie condiments, they contribute to fast weight gain.
1. Pizzas
Pizzas are delicious but they are sadly one of the UK’s most fattening meals. Pizzas, especially ones with excessive cheese or extra cheese toppings can contribute to higher calorie intake. Choosing lighter cheese options or reducing the amount of cheese can help reduce the fat content.
How to enjoy UK meals without worrying about weight gain:
By making mindful choices and being aware of portion sizes, all meals can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet without worrying about unwanted weight gain.
To make your meals healthier, you can consider the following tips:
- Opt for thin-crust or whole-wheat crust pizzas.
- Choose lighter cheese options or reduce the amount of cheese added to your meals.
- Load up on vegetable toppings and opt for lean protein options.
- Avoid fatty meat toppings like pepperoni and sausage.
- Control portion sizes and pair your meals with a side of salad or steamed vegetables.
- Avoid soda and sugary fizzy drinks or choose “diet” or sugar-free options.
- If possible, generally avoid fast foods that contain cheese.
What fast meals contain cheese?
There are several fast food meals that contain cheese. Here are some popular examples:
a. Cheeseburger: A classic fast food item, the cheeseburger typically includes a beef patty, cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, and condiments, all served on a bun.
b. Cheese Pizza: Many fast food chains and pizza delivery services offer cheese pizza as a standard option. It consists of a pizza crust topped with tomato sauce and melted cheese.
c. Grilled Cheese Sandwich: This simple and comforting sandwich is made by grilling or toasting bread with melted cheese in the middle. It can be found in various fast-food establishments.
d. Quesadilla: A quesadilla is a tortilla filled with melted cheese and often other ingredients such as grilled chicken, beef, vegetables, or salsa. It is commonly available at fast-food Mexican restaurants.
e. Cheese-filled Breadsticks: Some fast food chains offer breadsticks that are filled with cheese, either mozzarella or another type, giving them a gooey and cheesy centre.
f. Cheesy Fries: In certain fast food establishments, you can find fries topped with melted cheese or a cheese sauce. They are often served as a side or snack option.
g. Cheese-filled Burgers: Some fast food chains have variations of their burgers that include cheese inside the patty or stuffed with cheese.
It’s important to note that fast food meals that contain cheese are often high in calories, unhealthy fats, and sodium. Moderation and incorporating these items as an occasional treat within an overall balanced diet is recommended for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
By making mindful choices and being aware of portion sizes, most meals can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet without necessarily being “fattening.” It’s important to consider the overall nutritional composition of your meals and incorporate a variety of nutrient-dense foods to maintain a healthy eating pattern.
