These 10 ‘Health’ Foods May Be Ruining Your Health

These 10 ‘Health’ Foods May Be Ruining Your Health

 

 

Just because something is supposed to be healthy, that doesn't mean it actually is. There are many unhealthy foods that are masquerading as healthy options. These foods may actually contribute to ruining your health. So when you hit the supermarket next, these are the 10 health foods to avoid putting in your shopping cart. 

Rice cakes

 Many people claim that rice cakes were the ultimate diet food during the 80s and 90s when the no-fat/low-fat craze was just becoming popular. But what you probably don't know is that rice cakes possess a glycemic index rating of as high as 91 (pure glucose has a rating of 100). This kind of carbohydrate will send your blood sugar shooting through the roof, making it a bad choice for your diet and your health too.

Fat-free salad dressings

 
Regular salad dressings are a combination of plant oils, which are filled with antioxidants and essential fatty acids, and vinegar, which helps to control blood sugar. But many food companies have been forced to explore fat-free versions of this healthy food item. Fat-free salad dressings possess emulsifying agents, high fructose corn syrup and sugar and other unhealthy items to turn the unnatural into natural, causing them to be a very unhealthy choice. You would be better off with a regular salad dressing as opposed to a fat-free version.  

Re-fortified and refined grains

Most carbohydrates that you find on supermarket shelves are in the form of refined and re-fortified grains, which make it one of the hardest things to steer clear of. Grain-based foods such as pastas, breakfast cereals, and rice products which have been refined to remove the naturally occurring vitamins, fiber, and minerals are known as re-fortified and refined grains. This fiber that was initially removed is then replaced with synthetic versions of the minerals and vitamins. Instead of choosing these kinds of 'healthy' food items, stick to the natural unfortified stuff.

Sugar-sweetened beverages

 
Sugar-sweetened beverages are one of the unhealthiest items on this list. The calories will work their way onto your waistline, without leaving you feeling full. Simple sugars are known to increase your triglyceride levels and lower your good cholesterol, both contributing factors to the risk of heart disease. Sugary beverages also cause disruptions in your body's inflammatory balance. This increases your risk of chronic diseases and makes it harder for your body to recover from exercise.

Wheat bread

 
Wheat added to just about any carbohydrate tends to get labeled as a wheat product. Bread may contain enriched flour if it isn't 100% whole wheat. Enriched flour strips the nutrients from the bread. They cause your body to have a sugar spike and crash without providing any nutritional value. Instead, you should opt for fiber-rich breads which are 100% whole wheat. Other good options to explore are sprouted and multigrain breads. Another great way to lose the pounds is to do away with bread altogether, and use romaine lettuce as the base for your sandwiches.
  

Dried fruit

Dried fruit may have tons of fiber, but it also has a lot of added sugar and sulfur, which allows it to stay preserved for longer. This dried fruit is known to contain at least three times more calories per volume than its fresh counterpart. For instance, a bag of dried banana chips contains 20% more fat and three times as many calories as a fresh banana fruit. When it comes to fruit, the fresher the better. A bowlful of fresh fruit will give your body all the nutrients it needs and will leave you feeling fuller for longer. 

Flavored soy milk

Yes, soy can be a source of protein and potassium. But drinking the vanilla or chocolate flavors adds 10 grams of sugar and 50 calories per cup. No thanks!
Swap it for: regular soy milk, or you could try almond milk or hemp milk. If you're staying away from dairy these are two great options.
 

Fat-free flavored yogurt

Unfortunately, any food that claims to be fat-free is not a health food. Fat-free foods use sugar as replacements, and fat-free flavored yogurts aren't any different. Even if they have fresh fruit in it, they are still unhealthy options. Instead of fat-free flavored yogurt, try regular yogurt with a few pieces of fresh fruit added into it. Apples, blueberries, strawberries, banana, peaches, grapes are all great options. To sweeten it up a bit more, add a drizzle of honey.

Protein bars

Most protein bars simply contain processed artificial fillers and ingredients. That is why it is critical to read the label to see what you are about to chew down on. A lot of protein bars are exactly like a high-calorie candy bar with a bit of protein sprinkled in it for good measure. If a protein bar has more than eight grams of sugar and over 200 calories, you might want to skip that aisle in the supermarket. If you want a boost of protein in the middle of the day, try hummus or a bean dip with pita or veggies. These items have protein from the source, unlike how they are artificially added to protein bars.

Granola bars

Granola bars should only be eaten if you are planning on skipping a meal if you have no time. These bars, however, are packed with sodium, sugar and saturated fat. A granola bar is just about as healthy as a Snickers bar. Doesn't sound too healthy, does it? Instead of grabbing a granola bar, have a small piece of dark chocolate and some sliced mango. This delicious, nutritious and healthy snack leaves you feeling satiated at a fraction of the sugar and calorie content that a granola bar has. Plus, you get to feed your sweet-tooth absolutely guilt-free!