The five food offenders to cut out of your diet
Posted Monday, February 13, 2012 by Samantha Wilson, 
We’re already about six weeks into the New Year, and hopefully your new years resolutions didn’t fall by the wayside after week two. One resolution that seems to be at the top of everyone’s list year after year is to eat right, lose weight and get healthy, and there are safe and easy ways to achieve that goal. You can naturally detox your body by reducing or eliminating the following five food groups.
Wheat/Gluten – Those with Celiac disease and gluten sensitivities already remove wheat and gluten from their diet, but what most don’t know is that the majority of people actually have a sensitivity to these grains. Feel full and bloated after eating? Wheat and or gluten are the culprit. Try substituting your usual foods with those made from corn, rice or quinoa. Breads, pastas, cereals and almost all other items have a gluten-free substitute.
Dairy – Gouda, Monterey Jack, Swiss – I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like cheese. But did you know that we stop producing the enzyme to digest dairy after age 5? If you suffer from breakouts, nausea, gas or bloating, try eliminating dairy, as that could very well be the cause.
Sugar – It’s the things that are bad for us that taste so good! Quitting sugar cold turkey may be difficult, but when that craving strikes, try drinking a full glass of water and keep your goal in mind. Once you omit sugar for a while, you will find you no longer crave it. Sugar only packs on the pounds, and it can negatively affect your appearance by causing breakouts and dull skin.
Caffeine – While one cup of coffee or tea won’t harm you, caffeine is hard on the stomach and can cause gastrointestinal issues. Try eliminating caffeine for a few weeks and you will notice that you naturally have more energy, and will no longer need to rely on that Venti Skinny Vanilla Latte to get you through the day.
Alcohol – Oh, alcohol. While we all enjoy a glass of Pinot Noir or a dirty martini once in awhile, it’s excessive alcohol use we all should avoid. Alcohol causes dehydration, which is reflected in the bloating feeling and puffy face you get after a night of drinking. Reduce your libations to one drink a week, and stick to something low in calories and sugar such as a vodka soda.