Better Think Twice
With so many different diets, health guides, and restaurants out there, something as simple as preparing lunch can seem like quite the task. To make matters worse, some foods that seem innocent might be more dangerous than we give them credit for. To make things a bit easier, here are 20 foods to think twice about.
1. White Bread
White bread has a bad reputation as a basic and boring food item, but its versatility speaks for itself. Whether you’re in the mood for buttery toast or need a mechanism for a sandwich, this soft and inexpensive product has been around forever. However, due to the use of higher refined carbohydrates, white bread spikes your blood sugar and lacks fiber and nutrients found in whole grain versions.
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2. Bacon
Bacon is another staple that has made a home for itself in salads, sandwiches, and as the perfect side to any breakfast. Known for its crispy savory goodness, it comes as no surprise that this piece of meat is full of high saturated fats and sodium that contribute to poor heart health. Try turkey bacon instead!
3. Margarine
Sometimes the process of cooking is as difficult as figuring out what to cook. Butter isn’t any good, but it turns out even margarine, which is often cheaper, contains all those harmful trans fats that hinder your heart. Try avocado oil or olive oil next time.
4. Soda
This one’s a no-brainer, and there’s quite a simple solution to removing soda from your meals. All you have to do is switch to diet soda or zero-sugar variants, which often taste exactly the same and don’t have those artificial additives linked directly to diabetes and tooth decay.
5. Canned Soups
Now, soups may seem like a healthy choice, but it turns out those canned variants are loaded with preservatives, high salt content, and artificial flavors that are just terrible for your body. If making soups at home is difficult, search for a café or bakery that does it without the sodium.
6. Flavored Yogurts
Yogurts have quite the reputation as being healthy foods, but it turns out that isn’t always the case. Flavored yogurts in particular get their taste from heaping amounts of added sugar that basically ruin all the health benefits they promise. Instead, grab plain Greek yogurt and add flavor yourself with a drizzle of honey or fresh fruit.
7. Apple Juice
Like most fruit-flavored juices, these beverages pretend to be healthy alternatives, but they’re also full of high sugar with barely any fiber. These juices will definitely spike your blood sugar, which is why you’re better off finding a freshly squeezed variety and looking for no added sugar versions.
8. Instant Noodles
The instant noodle craze has taken the world by storm, and what’s not to like? It’s zesty, spicy, tasty, and ready in about five minutes. However, instant noodles are full of sodium, unhealthy fats, and preservatives. Instead, try vegetable-based noodles or make your own at-home ramen. It’s quite a process, but totally worth it.
9. Granola Bars
Granola bars are another one of those “health foods” that hide their true intentions. In reality, they’re full of added sugars, oils, and artificial flavors, which makes them not the best choice for your waistline. Instead, make granola bars at home, or find true healthy variants.
10. Sausages
Like most red meats, sausages simply aren’t good for your heart or your cholesterol. Despite being quick to cook, and having a place in everything from breakfast sides to savory stews, you’re better off opting for chicken or turkey sausages.
11. French Fries
Obviously, French fries aren’t good for you. Which is a shame, because they’re as tasty as it gets. Before you switch to sweet potato, it’s worth noting that the regular yellow potatoes have plenty of benefits like vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. The real issue comes with frying them. But remember, all things in moderation!
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12. Ketchup
For most people, French fries aren’t complete without a splash of ketchup on the side. But this tangy sauce hides a little more than tomatoes inside. Instead, it’s loaded with added sugars and sodium to give it the kick most of us crave. Luckily, there are plenty of low-sugar variants out there that taste just as good.
13. Gatorade
You’re probably thinking an energy drink is good for you, and while these beverages have some electrolytes, their high sugar content cancels out any benefit. Instead, try coconut water or natural electrolyte drinks to keep you pumped at the gym.
14. Cereal
Cereal is simply the most convenient breakfast out there. You can put it together in less than a minute and be ready to tackle your day, all at the cost of refined carbs, high sugar, and barely any fiber. While oatmeal or homemade granola are much better choices, just try to pick healthier cereals at least.
15. Fried Chicken
This is another no-brainer. Unfortunately, fried chicken, with its unhealthy fats, empty calories, and salt content, is terrible for you. However, chicken is a very healthy protein, and is recommended in many diets. To achieve that crisp sensation, just try air-frying your chicken or broiling it after a bake-session.
16. BBQ Sauce
BBQ sauce is another one of those garnishes that elevates meats to the next level. But similar to ketchup, it suffers from sugary additives that give its staple sweet flavor. You can use it if you want, but do so sparingly. Or, alternatively, find low-sugar alternatives.
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17. Cheese
You might be thinking cheese in all of its forms can’t be bad. Of course, mozzarella on pizza isn’t the healthiest choice, but is a bit of parmesan on a salad just as bad? Obviously, it isn’t. But cheese in itself is high in saturated fats and calories and has been found to correlate with weight gain. If you’re going to use cheese, use a small portion.
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18. Microwave Meals
Microwave meals are another convenience that many people rely on to get through their busy days. But be mindful of which meals you choose. There are plenty of healthy and low-calorie options out there, so make sure you don’t fall victim to those packed with high preservatives, sodium, and fats.
19. Candy
Everyone knows candy is bad for you, but to what extent? Obviously, having a piece or two a day after dinner as a pick-me-up is fine, especially if it helps you feel good about eating healthy the rest of the time. If you really want to cut out candy, dark chocolate, fruits, and healthy alternatives exist.
20. Ice Cream
Finally, everyone’s favorite dessert is most often ice cream. Before you blow it off, remember that the indulgent sweet and creamy ones are loaded with sugars and fats. But there are plenty of healthy and low-calorie choices like Halo Top, or those yogurt bars that barely crack 100 calories. There are plenty of ways to enjoy the foods you like if you can be smart about it.
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