6 foods that aren't as healthy as you think
Healthy eating has never exactly been a walk in the park, but these days, with so many different products touting health benefits, it’s never been more difficult to pick what is and what isn’t good for us.
And while we all know that (unfortunately) chocolate, cake, soft drinks and all that delicious stuff is definitely on the “avoid” list, it turns out there are lots of so-called “health foods” that should be there, too. Here are just a few of them.
1. Smoothies – Unless you’ve made it at home with fresh, healthy ingredients and no added sweeteners, chances are your smoothie is just a big cup of sugar. You’re better off eating the ingredients whole – that way, you won’t miss out on getting that fibre hit.
2. Acai bowls – Chuck these in the same category as smoothies. They might contain a “superfood” or two, but they’re also high in calories, fat and sugar.
3. Low fat yogurt – Gone are the days when fat was always the enemy. If you want to lose weight, experts say cutting down on sugar is much more effective, and low-fat yoghurt uses lots of sugar to make up for the diminished taste. Of course, saturated fats should still be avoided, but unsaturated fats are a necessary part of any diet.
4. Almond milk – Unless you’re a vegan, it’s best to stick to good ol’ cow’s milk. Not only is almond milk (and similar plant-based varieties) more expensive, but it lacks the calcium and protein of regular milk.
5. Health bars – You might think you’re doing yourself a favour by swapping chocolate bars for muesli bars and protein bars, but they aren’t much better. Yes, health bars might contain more protein, fibre and other nutrients, but they often contain just as much sugar as a Mars bar, so always check the label before purchasing.
6. Packaged soup – Canned or instant soups may seem like a reasonably healthy snack or meal to whip up during the week, but in most cases, “healthy” they certainly aren’t, packed with sodium, preservatives and artificial flavouring. Healthy DIY soups are incredibly easy to make yourself, plus you can always freeze batches and reheat them later.
How many of these foods do you eat regularly? Did you know they weren’t as healthy as many people think? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.