In our quest for a healthy lifestyle, we often focus on what to add to our diet. But what about the foods we should avoid? Several foods misleadingly branded as “healthy” might derail your health goals. Here are five foods you might not know are sabotaging your attempts to eat better.
1. Breakfast Cereals
We all know breakfast is the most important meal of the day, right? Not so fast. There might be more slogan than science behind this nutritional “fact”. Sugary cereals, despite their colorful boxes and fun mascots, are loaded with refined sugars and empty calories. These cereals can cause blood sugar spikes, leading to energy crashes and increased cravings throughout the day. A better option? Try whole grains like steel-cut oatmeal, or if you’re craving sugar, whole fruit or berries with yogurt.
2. Processed Meats
This one might not come as much of a shock. Hot dogs, sausages, and deli meats might be convenient (and delicious!), but unfortunately, they’re not good for you. How bad? Study after study has shown processed meats have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and certain cancers. Prefer unprocessed meats when possible – fresh chicken, turkey, pork and fish without additives are both tasty and safer to consume.
3. Artificial Sweeteners
Many people trying to cut calories will swap a full-calorie soda for a diet. Sadly, artificial sweeteners can be just as harmful as their sugary counterparts. Studies suggest that even diet sodas can increase your risk of developing metabolic issues or diabetes. Natural alternatives like honey, maple syrup, or fresh fruit can help satisfy a sweet tooth without the increased risks.
4. Trans Fats
Trans fats, found in many fried foods, baked goods, and margarine, are a major culprit in the world of unhealthy eating. They can raise your bad cholesterol levels (LDL) while lowering your good cholesterol (HDL), increasing your risk of heart disease. In fact, they’re so bad for you that they’ve been banned in the US for several years. So you should be in the clear, right? Not exactly. Food manufacturers are tricky, and they’re permitted to sneak in a certain amount of trans fats in food. It’s important to check food labels to see if they contain partially hydrogenated oils – the main source of trans fat – and to avoid it.
5. High-Fructose Corn Syrup
High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a common ingredient in sodas, candies, and even some savory sauces. This sweetener has been linked to obesity, diabetes, and liver disease. It’s often hidden in foods you’d least expect, so be vigilant about reading labels and choose products with natural sweeteners or no added sugars.
Conclusion:
While there’s a time and place for every food, proper nutrition for optimal health starts with making good choices more often than not. As a general rule, choosing more natural, less processed foods that come straight from the ground or straight from the animal can bring you health benefits. Don’t be fooled by foods that claim to be “healthy” – do your homework, read your food labels, and take control of a healthier you!