How often do we see foods and think, “Oh this must be healthy! Look how natural and green the packaging is.” I’ll be honest, I’m guilty of being fooled by food before.
Today’s post is to help you understand that some foods we think are healthy, well… aren’t healthy. Parts of this article were taken from this article on iVillage. You can sign up to get a daily email from them with health information included.
Here is a list of several foods we often mistake as healthy, when really they’re nothing special. And even worse, they may be widening your waist line.
1. Frozen Yogurt
Just because the word “yogurt” is in the title does not mean this is healthy. Frozen yogurt still contains sugar, and sugar turns into fat. You also won’t get your probiotic fix from frozen yogurt. Nice try.
2. Nutrient Waters
We have probably all thought to ourselves “Oh Vitamin Water, so healthy!” Honestly friends, it’s more calories. Why don’t you just drink actual water to hydrate yourselves?
3. Vegetable Chips
Unless you’re drying and making your own vegetable chips, you may be wasting your money, folks. Vegetable chips are still processed, packaged, and contain high amounts of sodium. Stick to fresh veggies!
4. Pre-made Smoothies
Guys, smoothies CAN be healthy. Key word being CAN. Pre-made smoothies can contain ridiculous amounts of sugar and potentially ingredients you can’t even pronounce. Make your own smoothies at home using protein powder, actual fruit, and unsweetened almond milk.
5. Muffins
I could preach a sermon on how bad muffins are. Being topped with oats, labeled as “whole grain” or “bran” does not mean healthy. Muffins are truly just dense sugary bread. (No wonder they’re delicious). But just say no.
6. Breakfast Bars
Your Nutrigrain or granola bar does nothing for you in the morning. It contains sugar, carbs, no protein, and little to no fiber. You will be hungry in about an hour because your body has nothing to sustain itself.
7. Microwave Meals
While it may be easy for you to count calories and eat small portions, microwave meals are so full of sodium and preservatives. I suggest taking home-cooked meals for lunches so you can control the amount of salt and preservatives in your body.
8. Reduced Fat Anything
Ever wonder why “reduced fat” food still taste good? It’s because they replace the fat with sugar, and sugar still turns to fat. Do yourself a favor and never buy reduced fat foods.
While there are many more foods that disguise themselves as healthy, this list gives you a good start when considering what not to eat.
A COUPLE OF TIPS IN CLOSING:
1. When grocery shopping stick to the outside perimeter of the grocery store, as that is where the freshest food sits.
2. Don’t be fooled by a store’s “healthy facade”.
Stores like Central Market, Whole Foods, and Kroger still sell food that’s awful for you.
Don’t trust the store to keep you healthy.
