Popular Foods That are Not as Healthy as You Think

Nov 20, 2019

Health and diet fads come and go, but there are many foods that have intentionally misled consumers about their supposed health benefits. With these tips, you can cut out harmful elements of your diet and substitute them with food that is more nutritious.

Energy and Nutrition Bars

Although they have been heralded as a great healthy snack for many years, energy bars are not as good for your body as you may believe. Many types of energy bars do contain dense nutrition, but it is important to be mindful of labels and ingredients listed when you are looking into nutrition bars that will benefit you. For example, bars that have a chocolate or yogurt coat are usually higher in saturated fats, which impede on the healthfulness of this snack. Energy bars hold a lot of calories and can sometimes serve as a meal replacement, so be sure the calories you are consuming are full of good nutrients.

Acai Bowls

Acai is a popular choice among health aficionados, and has been heralded as a super fruit. One of the most common variants of using acai fruit in your daily diet is the acai bowl. You may be wondering, though, are acai bowls healthy? The acai bowl that you may view as a healthy, post-workout snack actually contains more sugar than a can of soda, and acai does not have any proven health benefits that could justify this amount of consumption. Rather than acai berries, try to stock up on berries rich in antioxidants, such as raspberries, blueberries, and goji berries. Combine them with a plain yogurt and other nutritious toppings for a treat.

Egg Whites

Another health food fad that has emerged recently is substituting egg whites, rather than consuming the entire egg. However, studies have shown that eating all parts of the egg may be more beneficial in terms of nutrients offered. For example, biotin is a nutrient that is extremely beneficial and can only be found in egg yolks, rather than egg whites. Egg whites have also been shown to be a home for lots of different types of bacteria. Rather than using egg whites as an alternative, you may be better off cutting eggs from your diet altogether and replacing them with more nutrient dense options, such as fruits and vegetables.

Cereal

Many types of cereal are in fact healthy, such as varieties that feature whole grains, and plenty of dietary fiber that you need in your daily intake. However, many of the brands that claim to be healthy are actually not as healthy as you may believe. Sugary cereals can cause blood sugar to spike and lead to a crash later, which is particularly unfortunate for school children who are relying on their breakfast as a source of energy to carry them through the day. Make sure when you are picking out a cereal, you are reading nutrition labels and considering how much fiber, whole grains, and low amounts of sugar are present in the cereals you like to eat.

Granola

Granola is always seen as a popular topping on parfaits, cereal, and has also been shown to be a staple for those who love physical outdoor activities, such as hiking and camping. However, although it contains some fiber, granola also contains a high amount of calories, so use it sparingly. Homemade granola is better for you than the processed granola you can find in stores, so if you would like a healthier option, you can easily make it out of your own pantry stores. Additionally, granola has saturated fats, which are not ideal for your health. For more nutritional benefit, combine granola with fruit or yogurt, rather than more carbohydrates.

Although jumping on board with these dietary trends may be tempting, it is important to understand the drawbacks of foods that are seen as healthy. With these tips, you are sure to find a diet that is satisfying and beneficial to your body.