Good Or Bad?
It seems like we always hear about one food or another that is said to be good for you, then the diet experts change their minds. Take eggs, for example. For years, we were told that eggs were healthy. Then we wake up one day and find out that the experts are saying that eggs aren’t good for you because they are high in cholesterol. Next, we hear that we need eggs for protein, but to avoid eating the yolk. Now the experts say that you need eggs in your diet. It seems like people can’t make up their minds. Here are some other foods that seem like healthy options but are actually dangerous to a diet.
Fruit
Most people think that if it grows in the ground that it is automatically suitable for your diet. This is not true. Stone fruits are with sugar. Melons and bananas also contain high amounts of fructose, which will wreak havoc on your diet. Fortunately, some fruits really are good, an healthy option. Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and Granny Smith apples are all excellent options.
Store-Bought Fruit Juice
You may think that since you are drinking fruit juice, that it is good for you. This isn’t the case. Just one glass of juice can eat up your entire daily recommended amount of sugar. Also, since the juice that you buy in the store are made of fruit juice rather than whole blended fruits, they contain no fiber. If you aren’t worried about the sugar or the fiber, you should worry about your budget. These juices are extremely expensive and not worth the money. If you really want fruit juice, buy a juicer and squeeze your own fresh juice as a healthy option.
Prepackaged Trail Mix
Many people will by trail mix in the store, thinking that it is a healthy option. These people are wrong. The process of drying out the fruit increases the sugar content in the already sugary food. Most trail mix also contains mixed nuts that are very high in calories. Finally, most versions include chocolate. If you want a low-calorie trail mix, you should make your own. A healthy, low-calorie trail mix can consist of sunflower seeds, walnuts, unsweetened coconut, soy nuts, and roasted peanuts. Leave the chocolate and yogurt covered pretzels out.
Pasta
Many people love pasta, Alfredo. While pasta tastes great smothered in this sauce that is made of Parmesan, butter, and heavy cream, it really isn’t good for you. If you want to have a pasta dish that won’t destroy your diet, start by replacing your traditional pasta, with whole wheat pasta. Whole wheat pasta contains fewer carbs and more fiber. For the sauce, leave the Alfredo behind. Tomato sauce is much better. If you are trying to cut back on your sugar intake, you should make your own sauce from scratch. The store-bought varieties are loaded with sugar.
Rice
White rice is often used at the starch in meals. Unfortunately, the carbs in rice convert to sugar in your body quickly. It also has its benefits. White rice contains folic acid, which helps in producing new cells. If you want to have rice on a diet, you should substitute white rice with brown rice. Brown rice contains more vitamins and minerals than white rice does. It also contains more fiber.
Coffee
Coffee isn’t as good for you as you might think. When you combine the sugary syrup, the high-fat milk, and the whipped cream, you are looking at as many calories as you would find in a milkshake. If you want a healthy cup of coffee, ask for low-fat milk and half the syrup pumps.
Microwavable Meals
Most people love microwavable meals because they are quick and they taste great. Even if your meal says, “healthy” or “lean” on the package, chances are it isn’t. If you look at the nutritional facts, you will see that many of these meals aren’t too healthy. As a rule, never go with a meal that has over 500 calories. Also, make sure that 30 percent or more of the calories don’t come from fat.
Oatmeal
Many people who want a hot breakfast choose oatmeal over cereal. The only problem is that not all oatmeal is healthy. The flavored oatmeal in envelopes is loaded with sugar and fat. If you are going to have oatmeal for breakfast on a diet, go with plain, old-school oatmeal. If you need a sweetener, try adding strawberries or blueberries to the oatmeal.
Processed Meats
If you love bologna sandwiches or Oscar Meyer ham, you are better off finding something else for lunch. These meats are loaded with salt, which is bad for your heart and your blood sugar. If you want a sandwich, avoid prepackaged meats altogether.
Pickles
Most people think that since pickles are made from cucumbers, that they are perfectly healthy. This is not the case. Pickles are loaded with sodium, which can increase your blood pressure. You are better off sticking with a traditional cucumber.
Granola Bars
Granola bars aren’t as good for you as you might think. Take a look at the nutritional information on the box. Granola bars are loaded in sugar and carbohydrates, which are both harmful to your diet.
