12 Foods You Think are Healthy But Actually Aren’t
There is a lot of false information out there when it comes to, so called, “healthy” foods. We are constantly bombarded with ads on different types of media that influence our perception on food. Sure, there are food labels, however, even these can provide misleading information at times.
We hate to burst your bubble here but, unfortunately, some of our most favourite meals, snacks, and drinks – that we think are healthy – are in fact not.
1. Granola
To be honest, if you are eating granola for breakfast you might as well be eating Lucky Charms and Fruit Loops! Store bought granola is filled with sugar and unhealthy oils.
2. Gluten-Free Products (if you’re not actually celiac)
Gluten-free products contain rice flour, starches and sugars that are not nutritionally beneficial. If you are not gluten intolerant – you should really try avoiding eating these products.
3. Dried Fruit
What could be wrong with fruit, right? Well, there is no doubt that eating fresh fruit is good for you. However, dried fruit is loaded with sugar and preservatives to its extend shelf life.
4. Anything Marked as “Sugar Free”
We know what you are thinking, but hear me out. “Sugar free” products contain artificial sweeteners (such as aspartame) which are bad for you.
5. Flavoured Yogurt
When buying yogurt, choose plain or natural. Fruit flavoured yogurt, first of all, probably has no actual fruit and second, has a lot more sugar.
6. Trail Mix
Trail mix is filled with sugars. So, if you really want to munch on something healthy, grab a handful of some raw unsalted nuts.
7. Meal Replacement Bars
Meal replacement bars are as nutritious as a candy bar. We do not know about you guys, but we personally prefer saving our calories for a Snickers bar.
8. Frozen Yogurt
Well, this is a tricky one. As mentioned earlier natural flavoured yogurt is not bad for your health, how healthy or unhealthy your frozen yogurt is, comes down to how much toppings you pile on.
9. Anything that is Marked as “Fat Free” or “Low Fat”
A recent UK study found “fat free” and “low fat” foods, contain 10 percent more calories and 40 percent more sugar! Fat is what gives food flavour, so when fat is removed, companies add additional flavours and sugar to make up for it.
10. Prepared Salads
Do not be fooled! You are better off just order a burger instead. Most prepared salad are saturated in salad dressing, making it a calorie-bomb.
11. Instant Oatmeal
Much like granola, instant oatmeal is loaded with sugar. Instead, opt for a homemade bowl of oatmeal for a delicious and nutritious breakfast.
12. Salad Dressing
Remember what we said about prepared salads? Yeah, salad dressings are full of preservatives, flavourings and salt. Just mix some olive oil with balsamic vinegar and lemon juice in a bowl for a healthy and tasty salad dressing.
To be fair, everything on this list can be homemade and, therefore, healthier because you get to choose the ingredients.