My sister had this big “healthy food” thing going on and of course I jumped on the bandwagon. Granola bars, veggie sticks and all these gluten-free foods she used to swear by in her pantry. I was like, well, if she was so into them then they must be good? But that’s when I began reading the labels and started discovering how much junk was hiding inside these so-called healthy foods.
Let me give you 11 such “health foods” that I’ve lost my faith in and why they might not be worth it.
Featured Image Credit: Pexels.
Flavored Yogurt
Yogurt should be healthy, it’s smooth and yummy and probiotic, right? Well, not always. Almost all flavored yogurts are sugar bombs. Some brands make yogurt with more sugar than what you would find in a candy bar.
These carbs crash you and aren’t great for your gut health either. If you’re after a high-nutrition yogurt, stick to plain Greek yogurt topped with fruit or a honey glaze.
Granola Bars
Granola bars are the perfect portable snack. But they are overwhelmingly packed with high fructose corn syrup, palm oil, and preservatives. Looking for something portable and nutritious? Make your own homemade bars filled with nuts and dried fruits.
Veggie Chips
I used to love vegetable chips, and they’re delicious—after all, vegetables are in them, right? Unfortunately, most brands fry, salt, and artificially flavor these chips. (They are actually no better than regular potato chips.) And these vegetables get most of their nutrients lost along the way. Don’t overdo it; go for raw veggies and hummus or home-baked vegetable cutlets.
Store-Bought Smoothies
Smoothies are always perceived as a healthy food option with their vibrant colors and fresh, fruity flavors. But the pre-packaged or chain-store smoothies are generally loaded with fruit juices, sugar, or syrups – closer to milkshakes than health drinks. I once purchased a “green smoothie” and it had 40g of sugar (more than a soda!) Try making your own smoothie with fresh fruits and vegetables, non-sweetened milk or water.
Protein Bars
Protein bars sell themselves as the post-workout treat or meal substitute you’re looking for but many of them have preservatives, tons of sugar, and bad oils — more like candy bars. I once popped a “high-protein” bar out of the cupboard, thinking it was a great idea only to feel bloated afterwards. Go for boiled eggs, nuts or Greek yogurt for protein instead.
Low-Fat Salad Dressings
When I was trying to bring down calories, I turned to low-fat dressings, thinking they were better for me. But most of them are full of sugar, salt, and artificial thickeners to make up for the absence of fat. Make a simple salad dressing with olive oil, lemon juice, or balsamic vinegar and they will give you healthy fats and real taste without all the unhealthy additives.
Canned Soup
A bowl of my go-to canned soup has almost twice the amount of sodium I normally eat! In the long term, this leads to high blood pressure. Soup lovers, try making your own soup at home—control the salt and avoid the preservatives but still enjoy a nice and warm meal.
Frozen Yogurt
I used to enjoy frozen yogurt as a “healthier” dessert, but it’s always just as sugary as ice cream. I read the package of my favorite froyo once, and they had 25g of sugar in one cup — scary!
Vitamin-Enhanced Water
Vitamins and hydration-seem like a win-win proposition, but many of these drinks are loaded with sugar or artificial sweeteners. I once tried a “vitamin water” thinking it was better than soda only to find out it was almost twice as sweet. If you want water and vitamins, drink only plain water and get your vitamins from fresh fruit and vegetables.
Gluten-Free Snacks
Gluten-free is a thing now, but gluten-free food isn’t really healthy. Sometimes they are made from refined starches like rice flour or potato starch, which will spike your blood sugar. If you don’t have a medical condition that makes you avoid eating gluten, try adding whole grains such as oats or whole wheat to your diet.
Plant-Based Meat Alternatives
Then there are vegetable meats, often marketed as a healthy, green alternative to meat. But they’re usually highly processed, rife with sodium, artificial flavors and preservatives. Rather, try more plant protein, like beans, lentils or tofu, which are less refined and healthier.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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