5 Everyday Foods That Look Healthy But Aren’t
We’ve all been there. You’re hungry but can’t find something to eat so you grab something you think is healthy-ish. But, really, how healthy is healthy-ish? That granola bar on the go or that flavoured yoghurt could be packed with sugars, fats and unhealthy ingredients that you’re not even aware of. You could be thinking that choosing these foods is making a healthy decision but in fact, you might be thinking wrong. What if these foods that you think are healthy invite you to think again? Some everyday foods that look healthy are actually just loaded with sugars and sneakily marketed to make you think you’re making a healthy choice. Today we’re diving into five everyday foods that you might have mistaken for being healthy but they actually aren’t. We’ll also share some tips surrounding what to swap them with. Get ready to be astounded because we’re betting you munch on some of these foods that seem healthy but really aren’t.
Benefits of Healthy Eating
There are enormous benefits to healthy eating and it can be particularly harmful to think you’re eating healthy and years later to find out you’re actually not. This article will save you from that! Healthy and nutritious eating helps keep you energised throughout the day, improve your mood, reduce stress, strengthen the immune system, improve digestion and so much more. It’s extremely important and something to be taken seriously.
Potential Consequences of Not Eating Healthy
The potential consequences of not eating healthy are enormous. An unhealthy diet could cause weight gain and obesity, increased risk of chronic diseases, low energy, weakened immune system, blood sugar spikes and crashes and more. It is important to identify the foods that you think are healthy and double-check to ensure that they are.
5 “Healthy” Foods To Reconsider Eating
1. Flavoured Yoghurt
Flavoured yoghurt is something people reach for often, thinking that it’s healthy and nourishing when, in fact, it might not be. It’s marketed as a “healthy” snack but many store-bought flavoured yoghurts are made with a tonne of sugars. Sometimes it can be as much as a chocolate bar! Added sweeteners spike your blood sugar levels, contribute to weight gain and undermine the healthy gut benefits that yoghurt is expected to provide. Even if you opt for low-fat yoghurt, it could be even worse. Low-fat yoghurt tends to make up for flavour loss by including artificial sweeteners or thickeners, making them far less wholesome than they appear.
Yoghurt With Flavour – Healthy Version
Choose plain Greek yoghurt and add in fresh, clean fruit.
2. Granola Bars
Granola bars are another thing that people on the go opt for as a “healthy” snack. They’re often marketed in such a way as to trick you into thinking they’re healthy because of the images of nuts, seeds and oats. This type of marketing approach makes the snack seem guilt-free, nutrient-packed and convenient. At a time when the world is busier than ever, convenience and health are paramount. But most granola bars are actually loaded with sugar, corn syrup and unhealthy fats, making them more like a candy bar in hiding. Some might even include chocolate chips and artificial ingredients, essentially taking away from any potential nutritional value that there was. The average granola bar isn’t the low-guilt, high-energy snack that you’re made out to believe it is. It’s likely a cleverly packaged junk food.
How To Check If Your Granola Bars Are Healthy
Checking how healthy your granola bars are is simple. Look at the ingredient list and check to make sure that you can pronounce all the ingredients. Look at the sugar content and aim for 5-8 grams or less. Make sure the granola bar has at least 5 grams of protein and 3 grams of fibre and then check the calorie count (it should have anywhere from 150 to 250 calories).
3. Store-bought Smoothies
Grabbing a store-bought smoothie might seem like a great nutritional option, but it actually might just be an illusion of health rather than true health. Store-bought smoothies are often surprisingly packed with hidden sugars, preservatives and empty calories. Even the ones that may contain fruit are more often made with fruit purees or fruit concentrates rather than nutritious whole fruit.
How To Make Your Smoothies Healthy
It’s best to make your smoothies at home for maximum nutritional impact. Add whole fruits and vegetables, a protein source, and a healthy liquid base. Limit added sugars, boost with superfoods like ginger or matcha and make sure to pour a healthy portion size.
4. Dried Fruit
Dried fruit is something that many people reach for when they’re looking for a healthy snack. But it’s actually not as nutritious as you might think. Store-bought dried fruits contain added sugars or preservatives to enhance flavour and increase the shelf life.
What To Have Instead of Dried Fruit
Instead of dried fruit, choose whole fruit. It’s the healthiest version of fruit possible. Whole fruit is rich in nutrients, high in fibre, has natural sugars, is a source of hydration and more.
5. Protein Bars
Protein bars are a popular everyday food that seems like a healthy option but might need a second look. They’re often packed with added sugars, artificial sweeteners, unhealthy fats and processed ingredients. They’re usually high in calories as well.
How To Find Healthy Protein Bars
If it’s possible, homemade is always best. Get on Pinterest and try out some homemade protein bar recipes. But if you are buying from the store, make sure to check the ingredient list, watch the sugar content and make sure it has at least 10 grams of protein for it to be a quality bar.
Final Thoughts
Health is not a one-size-fits-all type of thing but sometimes foods are labelled as being “healthy” and we all just believe it. If you thought any of these five things you’re probably eating were healthy, then we advise you to take a peek at the ingredient list. You might find that it’s not as nutritious as you thought. Make these simple swaps for everyday foods and you’ll find yourself better nourished, with more energy and making healthier decisions.
