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 …

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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?

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Feedback Junction

Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

  • Isabella

    2014-07-15T17:58:18.578Z

    Wow this article is so wrong.
  • 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
  • Kelly

    2014-07-14T12:17:32.369Z

    This article is just ridiculous. Avocados are a healthy fat, eggs are high in protein, your body needs carbs when you're working out and if you stick to serving sizes, you'll be perfect. I can't deal with people that talk out of their butts.
  • 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
  • Nikki

    2014-07-14T17:02:36.233Z

    avacados are actually good calories..
  • Taylor

    2014-07-14T20:41:44.112Z

    And for a added tip when making smoothies, add a healthy fat to aid in the absorption of nutrients from the fruits! Such as coconut oil:)
  • Hannah

    2014-07-14T15:11:43.105Z

    You act like calories are a bad thing
  • Karen

    2014-07-14T12:17:40.387Z

    I could never take pop out of my diet. I deserve a Pepsi every month
  • eli

    2014-07-14T10:58:22.215Z

    Fruit smoothies don't often have that mug added sugar because fruit is sweet enough. Salads are good for you, and dispute what you hear just because something has more calories doesn't mean it's unhealthy, and similarly with nuts if it's good fat and provides high about of nutrition it's better to eat it and get your daily full of vitamins and minerals. Odd article.
  • Aliza

    2014-07-14T10:15:49.279Z

    I knew about all of these.. Especially the low fat and sodas. Diet sodas really are no different in calories but the taste just a tad bit different
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