Unhealthy food choices even claimed as healthy: Part two
- Dietitian.Lauren Hmede
- Mar 23, 2019
- 3 min read
12. Foods Labelled "Fat-Free"
When fat is removed from the food, it remains without flavour and to compensate they add sugar. The problem is not all types of fat are equal and you need to evaluate overall food including calories, sugar and fat.
13. Restaurant Baked Potatoes
Potatoes are naturally rich in vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. Additionally, a medium-sized baked potato contains only about 160 calories.
Unfortunately baked potatoes at restaurant are loaded with butter and cream. So if you really like sweet potatoes try to make your own at home.
14. Sports Drinks
You only need sports drink while you are on high intensity workout that exceed one hour otherwise you don’t need them and you will end up with extra calories and sugar.
Many sports drinks contain 125 calories and nearly 15 grams of sugar or more per 20-oz. bottle.
Spare yourself the extra calories and opt for plain water or a calorie-free beverage to keep you hydrated.
15. Granola
Granola typically starts with nutritious ingredients: rolled oats, dried fruit, and a healthful dose of fat from nuts and seeds.
The problem is that most of the whole grain goodness and fiber is coated in sugar, honey, and molasses and then baked in oil to deliver the crunchy texture and taste we all love.
A traditional 1-cup breakfast serving can pack nearly 600 calories and 20 grams of sugar before adding milk or yogurt.
If you really like the taste of granola simply use them as toppings and add two tablespoon over Greek yogurt.
16. Boxed Rice Pilaf
Brown rice, long grain rice and other grains are loaded with vitamins and minerals, heart-healthy and improves digestion and bowel movement. But sometimes they are loaded with sodium and fat.
17. Canned Soups
Well soups are healthy and helps in weight loss but the problem with canned soups they are loaded with sodium, fat and count a lot of calories. If you like soup then make your own at home and make it with veggies and if you like canned soups try with those with reduced sodium.
18. Gluten-Free Goodies
Gluten-free cookies, crackers and baked goods are often loaded with refined grains such as oat or rice flour, sugar and fat. Now it’s even possible to buy Betty Crocker cookie and cake mixes in gluten-free varieties, but other than removing gluten from the recipe, they don’t trim the fat, calories or sugar in any meaningful way.
The best bet is to stick with natural gluten-free foods like fruits and vegetables, nuts, lean proteins, and non-fat or low-fat dairy products. When buying gluten-free baked goods and crackers, make sure you read the labels and avoid those that are rich in sugars or saturated fats.
19. Diet Soda
Diet sodas are calorie free but they may trigger your brain for sugar cravings. Replace sodas with water or natural fruit to sweet your teeth.
20. Baked Chips
Do you know that baked chips don’t really offer calories saving? They may contain just 20 calories fewer than full-fat fried chips. As well you need to eat more to satisfy hunger cues as they are low in fat and the result will be extra calories and carbs.
21. Fiber-Fortified Foods
You need to get 25-30 grams of fibre daily but unfortunately we failed to get enough fiber in our regimen. Many manufactures add fibre to their products but these products are already made with refined carbs and fibre is just added.
Unfortunately, research suggests that some of the fibres manufacturers are adding to their products may not provide the same health benefits as natural fiber that comes naturally in whole grains, nuts, seeds, beans, fruits and vegetables.
Sources:
https://www.mcmasteroptimalaging.org/blog/detail/blog/2017/07/31/does-menu-labelling-affect-food-choices
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