8 Worst Vegetables for Weight Loss

worst vegetables for weight loss (Image sourced by Pexels / Photo by gustavo)
Worst vegetables for weight loss (Image sourced by Pexels / Photo by Gustavo)

All healthy diets usually include vegetables, but it is essential to choose the right kind, as some that are nutritious can help in losing weight, while others might lead to weight gain due to their high calorie and carbohydrate content. These types of vegetable groups are only meant for moderate consumption and should not be eaten excessively.

To optimize nutrient intake and prevent deficits, a range of dietary options should be included in all weight loss strategies. A wonderful place to start is by concentrating on lean protein, fiber-rich cereals, low calorie veggies, good fats, dairy, and dairy substitutes. Avoid the meals listed below if you want to accelerate your weight loss.


The Worst Vegetables for Weight Loss

While all vegetables are part of a healthy diet if consumed in moderate and balanced amounts, some of them are considered to be the worse than others for a weight loss journey.

1) Potatoes

Despite being a commonly used vegetable, potato has some of the highest volumes of calories and carbohydrates, making it the worst vegetable to add to weight-loss regimes.

Unlike other vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower, a single medium potato contains up to 30 grams of calories. On top of this, potatoes are often paired with fats like butter, sour cream, or cheese, which increases the number of calories.


2) Corn

Corn has higher calories and carbohydrates than other vegetables as it contains a lot of starch. Unlike similar vegetables like spinach or kale, a single serving of corn has up to 100 calories. This is also why items like popcorn or tortilla chips have high calorie counts and are high in fat.

Corn is the worst vegetable for weight loss (Image sourced via Pexels / Photo by cats-coming)
Corn is the worst vegetable for weight loss (Image sourced via Pexels / Photo by cats-coming)

3) Peas

Peas have a high carbohydrate and calorie content. A cup of peas includes approximately 120 calories and 21 grams of carbs, which is greater than other vegetables like lettuce or cucumber, making it a poor choice for weight loss. Since carbs are known to have a bad reputation for belly fat, adding too many peas to your diet might be an issue you'd like to avoid.

Avoid peas as worst vegetable for weight loss (Image sourced via Pexels / Photo by ilaria)
Avoid peas as worst vegetable for weight loss (Image sourced via Pexels / Photo by ilaria)

4) Winter squash

Various types of winter squash, including butternut or acorn, provide a high amount of calories and carbohydrates in comparison to other vegetables. The reason it is listed as one of the worst vegetables for weight loss is because a single serving has up to 21 grams of carbs and over 80 calories. This is much higher than comparable vegetables like zucchini and asparagus.

Worst vegetable for weight loss via winter squash ( Image sourced via Pexels / Photo by danylenko)
Worst vegetable for weight loss via winter squash ( Image sourced via Pexels / Photo by danylenko)

5) Beetroot

Beetroot is a root vegetable that contains more carbs and calories than other vegetables. It is considered to be one of the worst vegetables for weight loss, as even a cup of cooked beets contains approximately 60 calories and 14 grams of carbs.

Beets as one of the worst vegetables for weight loss( Image sourced via Pexels / Photo by bronzini)
Beets as one of the worst vegetables for weight loss( Image sourced via Pexels / Photo by bronzini)

6) Canned vegetables

These are indeed the worst vegetables for weight loss as they contain brine and flavor enhancers, which harm the digestion process. The sodium levels can also contribute to weight gain. In fact, too much sodium also increases the level of water retention in the body, hindering our weight loss progress.

Canned veggies as one of the worst vegetables for weight loss (Image sourced by Pexels / Photo by matheus)
Canned veggies as one of the worst vegetables for weight loss (Image sourced by Pexels / Photo by matheus)

7) Beans and legumes

Although certain beans can help boost your metabolism to lose weight, the galacto-oligosaccharides found in beans and legumes can cause indigestion and stomach inflammation. This can result in unwanted bloating, which might lead you to feel that your work is going to waste.

beans as one of the worst vegetables for weight loss( Image sourced via Pexels / Photo by neosiam)
beans as one of the worst vegetables for weight loss( Image sourced via Pexels / Photo by neosiam)

8) Pumpkin

Even though pumpkin is low in sugar, some recipes can still be high in calories. Strictly speaking, pumpkin is a fruit, but it is often called a vegetable, and it is the healthiest when treated like one, unlike what your favorite pumpkin pies may have you believe. It is easily one of the worst vegetables for weight-loss regimes.

Pumpkin as one of the worst vegetables for weight loss (Image sourced by Pexels / Photo by karolina)
Pumpkin as one of the worst vegetables for weight loss (Image sourced by Pexels / Photo by karolina)

As is evident, some veggies are higher in calories and carbs than others, which is why, if they are consumed in great quantities or in particular forms, some may not be as helpful for losing weight. It is good to always remember that a balanced and long-term weight loss plan needs to include a range of nutritious meals, including veggies, in moderation.

App download animated image Get the free App now