When it comes to eating healthy and losing weight, it’s important to be mindful not only of what you eat but what you leave off your grocery list. Jenna Rizzo, a weight loss coach from Georgia with a following of over 83,000 on TikTok, knows this and has a strict “no-buy” list of foods she says don’t support wellness and weight loss.
In a recent video, Rizzo emphasized that while everyone has the freedom to make their own food decisions, there are a few items that can be detrimental to your overall health. Here are the three foods Jenna Rizzo never buys and the reasons behind her choices.
1. Individually wrapped pastries
These treats are tasty but highly problematic for anyone trying to prioritize their health. Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are loaded with sugar, unhealthy fats, and salt while providing almost no vitamins, fiber, or nutritional value. “We know they really don’t provide a lot of nutritional value”, Rizzo explains, leaving out products like Little Debbie Snacks, HoneyBuns, and Pop-Tarts.
Besides their high-calorie content, ultra-processed pastries have been linked to serious health issues, such as heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. Rizzo emphasizes moderation and choosing something from a local bakery that is fresh whenever you crave something sweet.
2. Sodas and fruit juices
You probably already know that sodas are a sugar bomb in a bottle, but Rizzo points out that fruit juices aren’t much better. The misconception is that juice seems healthy because it comes from fruit, but in reality, most juices from the market are loaded with added sugars and stripped of fiber. “Most juices are just like a bunch of processed sugar made to taste like grapes or apples”, Rizzo says.
According to the CDC, 63% of adults reported drinking sugary beverages regularly, which raises health concerns due to their severe consequences. Rizzo’s solution? She makes juice at home using whole fruits to control the ingredients and keep things natural.
3. Packaged vegan foods
While it may seem counterintuitive, vegan is not a synonym for healthy. Rizzo warns against vegan ultra-processed foods like fake meats, cheeses, and butters, which can be just as unhealthy as their non-vegan processed counterparts. “People see that label that it’s vegan and automatically think it’s going to be the healthier option”, she says. However, the ingredient lists of these products are often full of artificial additives.
Research backs her up: a recent study found that plant-based UPFs carry a 7% higher risk of cardiovascular disease compared to unprocessed plant foods. Instead of packaged alternatives, Rizzo recommends focusing on natural ingredients like whole grains, legumes, and fresh vegetables.
While it’s tempting to reach for packaged snacks or apparent healthy options at the grocery store, weight loss coach Jenna Rizzo believes that sticking to whole, minimally processed foods makes a big difference. By avoiding individually wrapped pastries, sugary beverages, and ultra-processed vegan items, you can support your health and wellness goals. It’s not about cutting out these foods entirely but making smarter choices for a healthier and more balanced diet.