Granola. Granola may seem like a healthy additive to yogurt or to eat as cereal being that it contains oats and nuts that are heart healthy. However, it also contains added oil and sugar which are high in calories. A small serving of granola can have as much as 500 calories. Therefore, try to make your own granola at home which can provide you with a lower calorie and healthier alternative.

Dairy. Dairy is an excellent source of calcium, protein and other essential nutrients. However, whole milk can negatively impact one’s effort to try and lose weight. Aim for low-fat dairy foods such as skim milk and plain Greek yogurt. Avoid yogurts with fruit on the bottom as they are high in sugar and are not as healthy as they seem.

Frozen yogurt. Frozen yogurt is a popular alternative to ice cream for people on diets. However, frozen yogurt can be high in calories and sugar especially when you include all the additives that frozen yogurt shops often supply. An even better option than frozen yogurt is homemade smoothies. Try to make your own smoothies with fresh or frozen fruits and low-fat yogurt.

Cereals. Breakfast cereals may seem like a healthy option, but many of them may actually be doing more harm than good. Some cereals are labeled as high-fiber and fat-free, but are also often packed with sugar.

Dried fruit. Did you know that dried fruits contain as much as eight times more calories than fresh fruits? This is because dried fruits are dehydrated which increases their density. You are also more likely to eat more because the portions are smaller. Dried fruit also contains loads of sugar and other preservatives, which increase the calorie count per serving.

Salad dressings. Salads are an excellent healthy meal because they are filled with vegetables that provide essential nutrients and help you maintain a healthy weight. However, when you start adding things like cheese, nuts, croutons and creamy dressings, salads quickly become unhealthy. Before selecting a salad dressing, make sure to read the labels. Did you know that some dressings contain as much as 300 calories per serving? Also, aim for sodium-free, light dressings and pay close attention to the serving size.

Fruit juice. Fruit juices are often packed with sugar. Sugar slows down your metabolism and actually makes you gain weight because it promotes fat storage. You can reduce your sugar intake if you cut down on sweet drinks such as fruit juices as well as sodas and sport drinks. Make sure to read the labels because they are often not as healthy as they seem.