15 Foods You Should Never Eat (But Everyone Does)
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In our busy lives, it’s tempting to reach for quick and convenient foods without giving much thought to what’s actually in them. Unfortunately, many of the foods we consume regularly might be doing more harm than good. From processed snacks to sugary drinks, there are plenty of everyday items that could be sabotaging our health. Here’s a closer look at 15 foods that you should consider avoiding, even though they’re incredibly common in most diets.
Processed Meats
Deli meats, hot dogs, and bacon may be tasty, but they’re also loaded with sodium, preservatives, and other harmful additives. Processed meats have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, cancer, and other chronic health problems.
Sugary Drinks
Soda, sports drinks, and other sugary beverages are a major contributor to obesity, diabetes, and tooth decay. They provide little to no nutritional value and can easily add hundreds of empty calories to your diet.
Microwave Popcorn
While popcorn itself can be a healthy snack, most microwave popcorn is loaded with unhealthy fats, artificial flavors, and other additives. The bags are also often lined with chemicals that can be harmful when heated.
Margarine
Despite being marketed as a healthier alternative to butter, margarine is actually a highly processed product that contains unhealthy trans fats and other additives. Opt for real butter or healthy oils like olive oil instead.
White Bread
White bread is made from refined flour that has been stripped of its nutrients and fiber. It can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar and has been linked to an increased risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Processed Cheese
Processed cheese products like American cheese and cheese spreads are loaded with artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. They also contain very little actual cheese and are high in sodium and unhealthy fats.
Canned Soup
While canned soup may be convenient, it’s often loaded with sodium, MSG, and other unhealthy additives. Many canned soups also contain very little actual vegetables or protein.
Ramen Noodles
Ramen noodles are a staple of college dorm rooms and budget-conscious households, but they’re also loaded with sodium, MSG, and other artificial ingredients. They provide very little nutritional value and can be harmful when consumed in excess.
Frozen Dinners
Frozen dinners may be quick and easy, but they’re often high in sodium, unhealthy fats, and artificial ingredients. They also tend to be low in nutrients and can leave you feeling unsatisfied and hungry.
Energy Drinks
Energy drinks may give you a temporary boost, but they’re also loaded with sugar, caffeine, and other stimulants that can be harmful to your health. They can cause jitters, anxiety, and other negative side effects.
Fruit Snacks
Despite being marketed as a healthy snack for kids, most fruit snacks are actually loaded with sugar, artificial colors, and other unhealthy additives. They provide very little nutritional value and can contribute to tooth decay and other health problems.
Granola Bars
While granola bars may seem like a healthy on-the-go snack, many are actually loaded with sugar, unhealthy fats, and artificial ingredients. They can also be high in calories and low in fiber and protein.
Artificial Sweeteners
While artificial sweeteners may seem like a healthier alternative to sugar, they can actually be harmful to your health. Some studies have linked artificial sweeteners to an increased risk of obesity, diabetes, and other chronic health problems.
Fried Foods
Fried foods like French fries, fried chicken, and donuts are high in unhealthy fats, calories, and sodium. They can contribute to obesity, heart disease, and other chronic health problems when consumed in excess.
Processed Baked Goods
Processed baked goods like cookies, cakes, and pastries are often loaded with sugar, unhealthy fats, and artificial ingredients. They provide little to no nutritional value and can contribute to weight gain and other health problems.
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