It is always a good idea to do research and make sure the foods you eat are actually healthy. It may be shocking to find out that there are numerous foods on the market that have a reputation for being healthy but are not.
While the foods may appear to be nutritious at first glance, when taking a closer look at the actual nutritional value and ingredients, it is easy to see why it is wise to avoid them and search for better alternatives.
Check out these ten different foods that many people believe are good for you that are very unhealthy and should be avoided or eaten in moderation.
Bran Muffins
A lot of people tend to assume that any food with the word bran in it is nutritious. This is far from the truth, with the average bran muffin costing you 400 calories and 36 grams of sugar. While they may be a tasty treat, keep in mind that they are not healthy. Making homemade muffins using a recipe from nutritionrealm.com/healthy-recipes/ is very easy to do and is a better way to get nutrition because you will know every ingredient you are eating.
Sweet Yogurts
Generally, yogurt is very healthy. It is a great source of probiotics, depending on what type of yogurt is being consumed. Stay away from sweetened yogurts that sound more like dessert because they are loaded down with added sugars and other unhealthy ingredients. Instead, try eating plain, zero-percent Greek yogurt and add in different kinds of fruits, granola, and even honey to add a natural hint of sweetness.
Fruit Snacks
We all wish fruit snacks were healthy because they are definitely delicious to snack on. Unfortunately, they contain more sugar than a consumer might think. The snack may contain some fruit, but the amount of added sugars outweighs the nutrients that may come from the fruit. It is a better idea to snack on fresh fruit instead to guarantee you are not missing out on those important nutrients. If you must eat fruit snacks, try to buy them from an organic supplier and grab the brand that contains the least amount of sugar.
Sushi
While not all sushi is bad to eat, many of the more-popular rolls include a lot of white rice and are fried, making them not the healthiest option. Try eating more sashimi, dipping the sushi in low-sodium soy sauce, and if you do get a sushi roll, get one that is not fried and includes brown rice. It is also a good idea to order some vegetables on the side to make the meal even more nutritious and balanced.
Vegetable Chips
Those popular vegetable chips that can be found in most grocery stores have a good reputation when they are actually pretty unhealthy. Even the baked chips are filled with cornflour, potato starch, and added coloring to make it appear nutritional. They may be tasty, but do not let them replace fresh vegetables. Serving up a tray of fresh vegetable sticks with guacamole or salsa can be a healthier snack option that is also delicious.
Nutella
A common belief is that Nutella is good for you because it is made from simple ingredients like cocoa, hazelnuts, and milk. While this may be true, take a closer look at the other ingredients that make this tasty spread. The key ingredients are palm oil and sugar, which are not at all healthy to consume. Try making your own at home or swapping it for almond butter or peanut butter.
Vitamin Water
Sure, vitamin water contains both water and vitamins which are very good for your health. These products are also full of added sugars, food coloring, and other unhealthy ingredients. Many nutritionists claim people can get all of the vitamins needed from a daily vitamin and the nutritional foods consumed during the day rather than sipping on sugary vitamin drinks. Take regular vitamins instead or spice up your water by adding fresh fruit or herbs like mint and basil.
Pretzels
While pretzels may make for a delicious, low-fat snack, they are anything but healthy. They are made with refined flour and salt and are just as bad as consuming foods that are filled with unhealthy fats. While they may be okay in moderation, keep in mind that there are not many health benefits that come from snacking on pretzels. Make air-popped popcorn and season it with sea salt to get that same salty, crunchy fix.
Granola Bars
While there are exceptions, most granola bars are anything but healthy. These are often just as bad as consuming a candy bar. The good thing is that there are a lot of new granola bars on the market that have clean ingredients and are a healthy, delicious snack. Just be sure to glance at the nutritional label before taking a bite.
Sweet Oatmeal
While eating rolled oats for breakfast typically has great nutritional value, stay away from oatmeal that is sweetened or flavored. They are loaded down with sugar and are just as bad as eating junk food. According to Forbes, there are many benefits to eating oats because the soluble fiber is said to help lower LDL cholesterol. Choose to eat rolled oats instead and add in cinnamon, fruits, honey, or agave to make for a well-rounded meal.
It is important to know that these foods are okay in moderation. Just keep in mind that these options are not great for those who are trying to live a healthy, balanced life. If any of this information is overwhelming, just keep it simple and take a look at the nutrition and ingredient label before adding something to your shopping cart. Stay away from things that are high in sugar and have ingredients that are not easy to recognize or pronounce. Using Home Chef meals can give you those healthy and sustainable options. As long as 80 percent of your diet is healthy and clean foods, it is fine to splurge every now and then and enjoy the foods listed above.
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