There are some foods that are so damaging to our health that complete avoidance would be a good idea.
Labels like ‘sugar-free,’ ‘low-fat,’ ‘low-calorie’ and ‘low-carb’ are just some of the indications that what you’re eating may not be as healthy as you think it is.
That’s why it always pays to look at the ingredients, and pay close attention to the ingredient that they are ‘filling-in’ when they say the food is low-fat. In this case, there’s probably an abundance of sugar to make the low-fat food taste good again.
Don’t let the marketing fool you.
1. Margarine
Once thought to be healthier than butter, margarine actually is full of trans fat, which coats your arteries and ups your cholesterol. You are better off sticking with real butter, as long as it’s in moderation.
2. Light yogurt
When all the fat is removed, sugar is added back to the yogurt to make it taste good again. Adding fruit or honey to plain, Greek yogurt is a better option, and a delicious snack.
3. Hot dogs and other processed sandwich meats
These lower quality cuts of meat are full of chemical flavorings, nitrites, dyes, and a ton of sodium. Your best bet is to look for nitrite-free sausages and make your own sandwich meat by cooking some chicken or turkey and slicing it thinly.
4. Processed cheese
If you see cheese in slices wrapped in plastic or in sprayable cans, it’s hardly cheese. It actually shouldn’t even be allowed to be labeled as cheese. Stick to real, fresh cheese, and stay away from ‘plastic’ ones.
5. Multi-grain bread
While it sounds and looks healthy, it’s really not. Multi-grain bread is white bread with some grains in it. And as you know, white bread lacks nutrients and contains enriched flower. What you want instead is whole wheat bread (whole wheat should be the first ingredient listed).
6. Fast food salads
As long as you’re not ordering a burger with fries right? Wrong. Some fast food salads pack in more calories and fat than a burger and fries, with all the toppings. Do some research before assuming that the healthy menu options live up to their name. Or make your own salad and choose a vinegar-based dressing.
7. Fast food french fries
Speaking of fries, when McDonald’s released the ingredients in their french fries, people were shocked to find out that there were 17 on the list. Do your health a favor and make your own fries with just a few simple ingredients. That way you can have the taste of fries, while still keeping your health in mind.
8. Microwave popcorn
The imitation butter flavor includes PFOA, which has been linked to certain cancers and infertility. It’s much safer and cheaper to make your own microwave popcorn in a brown lunch bag, using a touch of real butter.
9. Sugary sodas
With soda, you’re basically drinking empty calories. Sugary sodas provide a lot of high fructose corn syrup and with no nutritional value. Wouldn’t you rather eat real food if you’re consuming this many calories? Or even try a fruit infused water as a substitution.
10. Artificial sweeteners
These are so much sweeter than regular sugar, which leads to increased sugar cravings. Artificial sweeteners also have links to neurological problems and cancer. Natural sweeteners like honey or real maple syrup are great alternatives.
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