7 Foods You Think Are Healthy but Arent ...

By Alison • Jul 14, 2014

There are many foods you think are healthy but aren't. When you're trying to eat well, you will often swap unhealthy foods for a better alternative. But just because they're better than your previous diet doesn't mean that they're still good for you. Here are some foods you think are healthy but aren't …

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Want more like this? Subscribe for personalized picks.

Successfully subscribed.

Check your inbox for personalized content.

1. Low Fat

Low Fat Some of the foods you think are healthy but aren't is anything labelled 'low-fat'. This is really just a clever marketing ploy to make you think you're buying something healthy. The problem is that reducing the fat content also reduces the flavor, so manufacturers add sugar to replace it. So overall you're not actually improving your diet, but swapping one unhealthy ingredient for another.

2. Fruit Juice & Smoothies

Fruit Juice & Smoothies Ready-made smoothies have become very popular for breakfast or snacks. But in spite of the high fruit content, they may not be as good for you as you think. Smoothies can be high in calories because so much fruit is used to make them, and they may also have added sugar. You should also avoid drinking too much fruit juice, as you get the sugars without the fiber from eating the whole fruit.

3. Salad

Salad Salad has to be healthy, right, with all those leaves and vegetables? Well, some salads can be pretty high in calories. Add ingredients like cheese, mayonnaise, avocado, croutons, bacon, and eggs, and your healthy salad has just become rather high in calories. Be especially cautious when eating out.

4. Bread

Bread Whole-grain or brown bread may seem like a healthy food, but read the label carefully. Many contain mainly refined flour, with some whole grains added. If you want to be sure that you are eating the healthiest bread, look for whole grain or whole wheat as the first ingredient in the list. Also avoid bread with ingredients like corn syrup or artificial sweeteners.

As part of taking control over your health and wellbeing, it's important to pay attention to the amount of sugar you consume daily. Did you ever wonder how many grams of sugar are in a teaspoon? Understanding this can help you make healthier choices and avoid those sneaky sugars that add up throughout the day. No doubt, your body will thank you!

5. Diet Sodas

Diet Sodas Have you swapped your usual soda for the diet version? You're not actually doing yourself any favors, especially if you then drink more soda because you're buying the diet version. No soda is really good for you, and artificial sweeteners may actually make you put weight on. Drink plain water instead, and save sodas for an occasional treat.

6. Nuts

Nuts Nuts are a healthy food, right? Well, like many things, they are - provided you eat them in moderation, nuts are a good part of a healthy diet, especially as a source of protein for vegetarians. However, they are high in fat, and as they're small it's easy to eat them by the handful. By all means eat nuts, but be careful not to eat too many of them.

7. Cereal

Cereal Do you start your day with cereal? This may be a quick option, but not necessarily a healthy one. Most cereals are very high in sugar, and even 'healthy' ones like bran cereals can be just as sugary as the brands marketed at kids. Plus you're adding milk, so you could be consuming quite a lot of calories.

These are just some of the foods that are not as healthy as you might expect. The best bet is to limit prepared foods in your diet, and make as many of your meals as you can from the basic ingredients. How good is your diet - where do you think you could improve it?

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Want more like this? Subscribe for personalized picks.

Successfully subscribed.

Check your inbox for personalized content.

Feedback Junction

Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

  • Natalie

    2014-07-14T17:31:45.362Z

    I also feel this article is negligent in it's format and potentially very damaging to girls out there who may have eating disorders. To say these foods are "unhealthy" is ridiculous. That's completely false. It has been written poorly and should not have been published.
  • Ayra

    2014-07-15T15:40:46.117Z

    Very misleading article ! Avocado, nuts, eggs and fruits in the same category as diet soda and cereal .... Incorrect
  • Alison

    2014-07-14T22:48:41.156Z

    I don't claim to be an expert. This article is aimed at making people think about misconceptions and encouraging you to look into the topic more.
  • Isabella

    2014-07-14T14:13:45.545Z

    Low fat = more processed. Whole foods (fruits, veg, stuff from the food pyramid) are the things we need to remind ourselves of a bit more.
  • Lauren

    2014-07-14T11:13:34.163Z

    Also, completely eliminate soda from your diet, because one soda has more sugar than you should consume in 2 and a half days!
  • Mahima

    2014-07-14T13:46:57.091Z

    God this sucks! Are we now supposed to eat wood? Oh that might be fattening too. Terrible article
  • Aliza

    2014-07-14T10:16:06.688Z

    *they taste
  • Sharon

    2014-07-14T11:11:44.010Z

    I really don't like this article, calories does not mean unhealthy. This just adds more confusion as to what people should eat and drink
  • Dalal

    2014-07-14T10:46:11.027Z

    Does calories=unhealthy ?
  • Taylor

    2014-07-14T20:38:56.887Z

    I can't believe someone wrote this. So much of this goes against what many health freaks stand for. Calories do not equal unhealthy. Healthy fats can be key even during weight loss.
Commenting as
Add allwomenstalk.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Allwomenstalk app icon

Don't Miss the Latest Version

Get the latest stories, save favorites, and share with friends — all in one place.

New Earn badges & level up while you read

Create your profile. Earn badges. Level up your reading.

Join Allwomenstalk to track your streaks, collect badges, and earn XP for the things you already do—reading, sharing, and taking quizzes.

  • 🔥
    Daily streaks with gentle boosts for 3, 7, and 30 days.
  • 🏅
    Collect badges like Reader I–III, Socialite, and Quiz Ace.
  • ⚡️
    Earn XP for reads, deep reads, likes, comments, and shares.

It’s free. Takes 30 seconds. Already have an account? Sign in.

10,000+ badges earned last month

Level

3

Streak

7 🔥

XP420 / 700

Badges

🔥 On a Roll
📖 Reader I
📣 Socialite

Trending products

Other Cool Reads

Related Topics

7 Health Foods That Are on Sale Almost Always ... 7 Summer Foods to Beat Bloat ... Foods That Make Healthy Quinoa Even More Delicious... green vegetables for smoothies vegan supplements brands Superb Calcium Sources for Strong Healthy Bones ..... dirty dozen to buy organic Eat These Most Nutritious Foods to Be Fit and Stro... Brilliant Replacements for Dairy Products for Thos... Eat Better to Sleep Better with Plant-Based Foods ...