Don't be fooled by simple packaging promises like "Low fat", "Low calorie", or "Organic". Just because those words are associated with being "healthy", doesn't mean that they actually are. Below, you'll find 40 various foods that you might have thought were good for you, but really aren't as healthy as you probably think.
1. Vitamin-Enriched Waters
These beverages can be packed with as much sugar as sodas. The added vitamins often don't make up for the high sugar content.
2. Smoothie Bowls
These colorful bowls often contain a high amount of sugar, especially when topped with granola, honey, or sweetened dried fruits. The calorie content can easily surpass that of a regular meal.
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3. Vegetable Chips
Just because they're made from vegetables doesn't mean they're healthy. Many vegetable chips are fried and contain just as much fat, if not more, than regular potato chips.
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4. Diet Sodas
While they may be calorie-free, diet sodas contain artificial sweeteners that some studies suggest might lead to increased appetite and weight gain over time.
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5. Bran Muffins
Many bran muffins, especially store-bought ones, are loaded with sugars and unhealthy fats. Despite their healthy-sounding name, they can be more like a dessert than a nutritious breakfast.
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6. Pre-packaged Salads
Some store-bought salads come with dressings and toppings that are high in calories, sugars, and unhealthy fats. What seems like a healthy choice can end up being a calorie bomb.
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7. Gluten-Free Processed Foods
Just because it's gluten-free doesn't mean it's healthy. Many gluten-free products are made with refined grains and added sugars.
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8. Flavored Yogurts
While yogurt can be a healthy snack, many flavored versions contain a large amount of added sugars. It's often healthier to buy plain yogurt and add fresh fruit.
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9. Energy Drinks
Loaded with caffeine, sugars, and other stimulants, energy drinks can lead to heart palpitations, high blood pressure, and other health issues.
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10. Restaurant-Style Caesar Salads
Though it sounds healthy, some Caesar salads can have more calories and fat than a cheeseburger, largely due to the creamy dressing and croutons.
11. Agave Nectar
Marketed as a natural sweetener, agave nectar has more fructose than regular sugar, which can contribute to insulin resistance when consumed in large amounts.
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12. Reduced-Fat Peanut Butter
While it has less fat, the missing fat is often replaced by added sugars, making it just as unhealthy, if not more so.
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13. Frozen Diet Meals
These convenient meals may be low in calories, but they often contain preservatives, excessive sodium, and other unhealthy additives.
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14. Fruit Juices
Even 100% fruit juices can be high in sugar and calories. They lack the fiber found in whole fruits, which can lead to a spike in blood sugar.
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15. Sushi Rolls with Tempura or Creamy Sauces
Not all sushi is created equal. Rolls with tempura, mayonnaise-based sauces, or cream cheese can be very high in calories and unhealthy fats.
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16. "Light" Ice Cream
Some light ice creams have artificial sweeteners and fillers, and they might not save you as many calories as you'd think.
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17. Trail Mix with Candy
While nuts and seeds are healthy, many trail mixes also contain chocolate chips or candies that increase the sugar and calorie content.
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18. Multigrain Bread
The term "multigrain" doesn't necessarily mean whole grain. Some multigrain breads are made with refined grains, which lack essential nutrients.
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19. Instant Oatmeal
Pre-flavored instant oatmeal packets can be loaded with added sugars. It's often healthier to make oatmeal from scratch and add natural sweeteners.
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20. Restaurant Grilled Chicken
While it sounds healthy, grilled chicken at some restaurants can be marinated in sugary or salty solutions, upping the calorie and sodium content significantly.
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21. Granola Bars
Many granola bars are packed with added sugars, unhealthy fats, and artificial ingredients. While they might seem like a healthy snack option, they can be as calorie-dense and sugary as candy bars.
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22. Sports Drinks
Originally designed for athletes, many sports drinks are high in sugars and artificial colors. For the average person, they can contribute to calorie overconsumption.
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23. "Healthy" Cereals
Some cereals that advertise health benefits are loaded with sugars and refined grains. Always check the label for the actual nutritional content.
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24. Store-Bought Turkey Burgers
While turkey can be leaner than beef, many pre-made turkey burgers have added fats and fillers. Making them from scratch can be a healthier alternative.
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25. Fat-Free Dressings
These dressings often replace fat with added sugars or artificial ingredients. A moderate amount of a full-fat dressing made with healthy oils might be a better choice.
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26. Store-Bought Fruit Snacks
Many of these are basically candy with a tiny amount of fruit juice. They can be high in sugars and artificial ingredients.
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27. "Natural" Sodas
Even if they're marketed as natural or organic, these sodas can have just as many calories and sugars as regular ones.
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28. Wraps
People often think wraps are healthier than bread, but many are made with refined grains and can have more calories due to their size and thickness.
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29. Pretzels
Low in fat but high in salt and refined carbohydrates, pretzels are not as healthy as they may seem. They can contribute to rapid blood sugar spikes.
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30. Store-Bought Veggie Burgers
Not all veggie burgers are created equal. Some are packed with processed ingredients, unhealthy oils, and preservatives.
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31. "Whole Wheat" Products
Just because it says "whole wheat" doesn't guarantee it's made from 100% whole grains. Some products only contain a small percentage of whole wheat.
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32. Frozen Yogurt
Often perceived as a healthier alternative to ice cream, frozen yogurt can be high in sugars. Toppings can also add a significant amount of calories.
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33. Bottled Tea Drinks
Many bottled teas are sweetened with sugars or high fructose corn syrup. It's healthier to brew your own tea and sweeten it moderately, if that's what you prefer.
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34. Rice Cakes
While low in calories, rice cakes are also low in nutrients and can cause a quick spike in blood sugar. They offer little satiety and nutritional value.
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35. Dried Fruit
Drying fruit concentrates its natural sugars, making it very calorie-dense. Some brands also add extra sugars or preservatives.
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36. Commercially Baked Muffins
Even if they contain fruits or nuts, many store-bought muffins are high in sugars, unhealthy fats, and calories.
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37. "Low-Carb" Snack Bars
Some bars replace carbs with unhealthy fats or artificial sweeteners. Always check the ingredients list for potential unhealthy additives.
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38. Organic Cookies
Being organic doesn't necessarily mean being healthy. Many organic cookies are still high in sugars, fats, and calories.
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39. Packaged "Superfoods"
Some snacks labeled as containing superfoods might only have a tiny amount of them. They can still be high in sugars or unhealthy ingredients.
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40. Canned Soups
Many canned soups are high in sodium and can contain additives or preservatives. Opting for low-sodium versions or making soup from scratch can be healthier choices.
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