If you’re currently on a diet, you probably have a specific list of foods you can and can’t eat. But even if you’re not actively following a diet, it’s still a good idea to watch what you eat to keep your body strong and well-nourished. And to this end, nutritionists suggest nixing five specific foods from your meal plan once and for all.

Why should you cut the following five foods from your diet? The answer is simple: they offer little to no nutritional benefit. Instead, they can increase your risk for illness by causing inflammation, messing with your blood sugar levels and so much more.

Sugary drinks

Sugary beverages are easy to drink, but they go way over the recommended daily intake for sugar. Women should stick to about 24 grams of sugar per day. But a 20 ounce can of soda can easily contain close to 80 grams of sugar.

Processed, sweetened cereals

Processed, refined grains have practically zero fiber and instead lots of sugar. Consider trading them for homemade oatmeal or wholegrain products instead.

Processed meats

You might love bacon and hotdogs, but according to this Harvard study, consuming these processed meats can increase heart disease risk by a whopping 42 percent. Instead, look for organic, grass-fed beefs and meats.

Ingredient names you don’t understand

If you don’t know what an ingredient is, and can’t even pronounce it, it might be a good idea to avoid that food product and opt for whole foods. This way, you can avoid potentially harmful additives, colors and preservatives.

Trans fats

It may be difficult to avoid trans fats since they’re a common ingredient in baked goods and prepackaged biscuits, crackers, and frozen meals. But avoiding them is a heart-healthy move. In fact, trans fats are known to increase bad cholesterol and to also increase your risk for heart disease, too.