If you are serious about your diet and health, then have a look at these foods. Many of us eat these every day and do not even think about what they are or if they are healthy at all. They look healthy at first, but having a closer look tells a very different story. From sugar-packed juices to misleadingly labeled snacks, many so-called “healthy” options aren’t as good for you as they claim. You might be surprised to learn what’s really hiding in these foods—and it could change the way you eat.
Note: The content of this article is not medical advice.
Frappuccino
Here is another drink you need to avoid at all costs. This lethal mix of caffeine and sugar should be only drunk sporadically and never become a daily treat. If you crave one, you can make your healthy version from home.
Energy Drinks
Whenever we feel tired, we tend to head to the nearest supermarket to buy the latest energy drink to regain our motivation. This is a massive mistake. These beverages have been linked to higher chances of developing obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Pop Tarts
Pop tarts may seem like a good breakfast choice, but trust us, they are not! Two frosted strawberry pop tarts have 400 calories, 76 grams of carbs, less than 2 grams of fiber, and only 4 grams of protein. They contain three different kinds of sugar: refined white sugar, high fructose corn syrup, and corn syrup.
Margarine
Margarine was often advertised as an excellent substitute for butter, but is it? This ingredient usually contains trans fats that have been associated with a higher risk of developing heart disease and other chronic health issues. A better choice is to opt for healthier fats, such as coconut or olive oil.
Cereals
Here is another popular breakfast food choice that is incredibly unhealthy. You may think your morning cereals are high in fiber, but this is rarely the case. On the other hand, this type of food is often packed with sugar. Opt for porridge if you want a healthy, fulfilling breakfast.
Fruit Juices
You may think that fruit juices are an excellent idea to boost your vitamin intake or a great alternative to fruit. Unfortunately, unless you make your fresh orange juice, you can be assured that those pre-packed bottles come with plenty of added sugars and additives.
Salad Dressing
We all know that salads are healthy, but what about salad dressing? These are often high in unhealthy sugars and fats, so even though a drizzle may help you eat more greenery, if you drown your veggies in these condiments, you may have a rather unhealthy meal.
Granola Bars
While granola bars may sometimes be a good source of proteins, whether they are healthy or not largely depends on your chosen brand. Some sell highly processed products packed with artificial sweeteners and sugars that may negatively impact your health.
Veggie Straws
Don’t let the name fool you. These snacks are mainly made from potato starch, potato flour, and vegetable oils that are then deep-fried. Unlike what most people believe, the amount of fats and sugars in veggie straws are comparable to other popular chips, with the aggravating factor that these tend to be higher in sodium.
Protein Drinks
We are often taught that protein drinks are pretty healthy, but there is no need to choose these products unless you want to maximize your protein intake. Protein drinks are often packed with artificial sweeteners and oils.
Soy Sauce
A single spoon of this popular condiment provides 38% of the recommended daily salt intake. So make sure to avoid drowning your sushi in it. You can also add water to your soy to make it lighter.
Canned Soup
Even though they contain some veggies, canned soups are still highly processed foods that may damage your health. It is always best to avoid them and invest some time in making your delicious homemade soup instead.
Vegetable Chips
While veggie chips are usually made with real vegetables, the health benefits are often negated due to all the oil used to fry the vegetables. All that saturated fat is not good for you! You are much better off eating real, fresh veggies.
Yogurt
So many yogurts on the grocery store shelves are packed with added sugars. All those sweet, flavored yogurts can be more sugary than a candy bar! If you want a healthy yogurt, make sure the label is free of sugar, corn syrup, or artificial sweeteners.
This article was originally published at Spatula Desserts.
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