15 ‘Healthy’ Foods That Are Secretly Ruining Your Diet
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Everyone wants to stay healthy and fit. In the pursuit of a healthier lifestyle, we often turn to foods that are labeled as healthy. However, some of these foods have hidden high-calorie content and other ingredients that can sabotage your diet. It’s important to be aware and informed about what you eat. Here are 15 ‘healthy’ foods that might be secretly ruining your diet.
Granola Bars
These might be your usual go-to snacks since, aside from giving you the necessary nutrients that you want, these are so handy. But don’t be fooled, as some brands contain loads of unhealthy fats and sugars, so you should never forget to read their labels.
Energy Bars
Just like granola bars, some energy bars may also contain excessive sugars and artificial ingredients, defeating the purpose of healthy eating. Be sure to look for energy bars with a good balance of healthy fats, protein, and fiber.
Flavored Yogurt
Yogurt may be a good source of calcium and probiotics, but you should limit yourself from purchasing flavored ones as these contain lots of sugars and artificial flavorings. If you dislike the taste of plain yogurt, you can add fresh fruits on your own.
Gluten-Free Products
Simply because it’s gluten-free does not automatically translate as healthy. Gluten-free products often use taste enhancers like refined grains and sugars; hence, it is better to go for whole foods like brown rice and quinoa.
Agave Nectar
If you think agave nectar is the best sugar substitute, think again. It is high in calories and fructose, which is still another form of sugar, so choose natural sweeteners like honey.
Smoothies
Forget about store-bought smoothies since they are high in sugars and other sweeteners. That would ruin your diet and contribute to adding more weight instead.
Dried Fruits
Another convenient snack for many people who are on a diet, dried fruits, are not just delicious but nutritious. But most preserved fruits have high sugar, calories, and sulfites, so choose those without these additives.
Sports Drinks
After hitting the gym, you have that habit of grabbing your favorite sports drinks to replenish lost electrolytes, but sadly, these are also filled with sugars and calories. Nothing beats pure water, or you can have some refreshing coconut water.
Veggie Chips
Given that these are vegetables, they should be healthy snack choices, but the truth is that they contain loads of salt and unhealthy fats. Prepare your own and opt for baked veggies instead.
Frozen Yogurt
You don’t feel guilty for choosing frozen yogurt over ice cream. While it may be low in calories, you still do not enjoy a healthy option as frozen yogurt is high in sugar while lacking the necessary nutrients. So the next time you crave this, choose fresh fruit toppings and nuts; omit syrups and candies or sprinkles.
Trail Mix
A mix of nuts, seeds, and chocolates, trail mix is healthy given that it is homemade, unsalted, and you use dark chocolate chips. Store-bought trail mix, on the other hand, can be filled with salt and unhealthy fats from candies and chocolates.
Fruit Juice
Fresh fruit juices are healthier compared to bottled ones but be slow with consuming these. While they give you the vitamins and minerals you need, they are also high in sugar.
Reduced-Fat Peanut Butter
Be careful with anything that says “reduced-fat” in the same way as “low-fat” or “fat-free” because, in the process of reducing a product’s fat content, manufacturers add more sugar and flavorings to maintain its taste. Choose natural peanut butter instead, or you can always make your own.
Pre-Packed Salad Dressings
Marked as healthy and perfect for people on a diet, pre-packed salad dressings can contain sugars, preservatives, and unhealthy fats. So, to be sure with what you mix on your greens, make your own dressing instead.
Rice Cakes
These popular snacks may be low in calories but also in nutrients. These are not a great snack of choice, especially when you have diabetes, as these can spike your blood sugar level.
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