Unfortunately, a lot of the healthy foods on supermarket shelves nowadays are disguised junk foods. But, thanks to the good cover, you have no idea that they can do more harm than good. You end up buying them thinking that they will better your health when they are in fact making things worse.
This is because they are filled with added sugar and other substances which have a negative effect on the overall health. With this in mind, it is good to know which “healthy foods” you need to stay away from if you want to preserve your health. Check them out in the list shown below…
10 Unhealthy “Healthy Foods” on Market Aisles
- Flavored instant oatmeal
This type of oatmeal is full of sodium and added sugar. Therefore, go with oatmeal that have oats as first ingredient, fewer than 6 grams of sugar, and less than 140 mg of sodium per one serving. Or, opt for rolled or steel-cut oats and flavor it with healthy ingredients yourself, for example, nutmeg, fresh fruits like berries, and cinnamon.
- Premade smoothies
The premade smoothies we see in healthy food stores are usually made with fruit juices as their bases. This adds to their level of added sugar and calories. Unfortunately, a commercial smoothie can contain anywhere from 200 to 1000 calories, 1 to 300 grams of fat, and 15 to 100 grams of sugar. Opt for your own, homemade smoothies made with fruits and veggies, yogurt, protein powder, and low-fat milk instead.
- Beef jerky
Of course, this tasty snack may be a convenient way to boost your protein levels fast; however, this product is full of sodium. Unfortunately, excessive sodium consumption has been linked with bloating and water retention. Therefore, go with low-sodium turkey jerky instead- it is as tasty, but without all that salt.
- Light mayonnaise
Did you know that light mayonnaise has around half the calories and fat from regular mayonnaise? Unfortunately, similarly to other light products on the market, reducing the fat often requires adding the sugar levels and additives so that the taste is better. According to nutritionists, eating a balanced amount of healthy fat with meals is essential in boosting the absorption of important nutrients like vitamins A, D, E, and K. Therefore; there is no need to opt for low-fat.
- Diet soda
Unfortunately, the absence of calories in diet sodas does not mean that there will be no negative effect on your health. Substitutes for sugar have been linked to gas and bloating and there is research showing that regular consumption of diet drinks can trigger overeating and weight gain. And, it can also elevate the chance for type 2 diabetes and osteoporosis.
- Protein bars
Similarly to other processed foods, protein bars contain a lot of different sugars, surplus fats, and artificial flavors and colors. What’s more, these snacks may also contain sucralose, a gas-causing compound. And, it does not satisfy the hunger, regardless of the grams of protein or fiber it contains.
- Flavored yogurts
Even though yogurt is an easy option to boost your good gut bacteria and protein, vitamin D, and calcium levels, the flavored versions should be avoided. They are full with so much sugar that they are more of a dessert than yogurt. A far healthier option is to add your own flavor to plain yogurt like cinnamon or berries.
- Kombucha
Even though naturally-fermented foods are good for the digestion and the overall health, kombucha is fermented yeast. And, as a lot of people have yeast overgrowth in the digestive tracts, too much kombucha is like adding fuel to the fire and worsen the imbalance. Therefore, opt for naturally-fermented foods like pickles, kefir, and kimchi.
- Snacks free of gluten
Natural and gluten-free foods like veggies, fruits, quinoa, rice, and corn are beneficial for the health; however, packaged gluten-free foods are full of calories, salt, sugar, and saturated fat as other processed foods. They are stripped of nutrients during the processing and have low fiber levels.
- Juices
Despite the labels claiming no sugar and 100 percent purity, store-bought juices are nothing but a concentrated sugar form. Therefore, eat raw fruits and veggies instead or combine them in smoothies. In this way, you will get the good fiber which will balance your blood sugar levels and keep your satiety optimal.
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