8 Foods That You Think Are Healthy (but Are Not)

Have you decided to adopt a lifestyle that is more beneficial to your health and well-being? In that case, you need to know the foods that you think are healthy, but are actually not.

The reason this often happens is because of misinformation or advertising and marketing strategies. Thus, these foods can be the cause that you do not see the results you want in the time it should be.

8 supposedly healthy foods

Currently, there are several foods whose packaging is very misleading, as they indicate that they are “natural” or “low in calories”. Do you know how to distinguish them well or is it still a bit difficult? In case of the latter, do not worry, below we will help you by giving you a list of foods that you think are healthy and that are not.

1. Prepared salads

The salads that come in bags that can be Shopping in supermarkets is one of those foods that you think are healthy, but in reality they are not.

Although these are foods made from plants, sometimes these are of low quality. Ade Furthermore, it is common for these salads to have been frozen for several weeks. This means that they are not as fresh as indicated on their labeling.

As if the above were not enough, most of these salads are accompanied by dressings high in sodium, sweeteners and preservatives. On many occasions, these sauces also contain large amounts of sugar, which can be harmful to your body, according to a study published in 2016.

Therefore, l Or it is better that you prepare your salads yourself at home, with fresh products and homemade vinaigrettes, preferably without mayonnaise.

2. Commercial smoothies

Not all shakes are created equal and are sometimes considered healthy foods. Thus, the fact that they are labeled as fitness smoothies does not  it necessarily means that they are healthy.

These types of commercial shakes usually contain:

• Refined sugar.
• Trans fat.
• Preservatives
• Unnecessary extra calories.

Instead of opting to drink commercial smoothies often, it is best to make your own recipes at home.  This way you make sure to use fresh and seasonal fruit and vegetables. In addition, you control the portions at all times and avoid chemical additives that could harm you.

Don’t forget to put the whole fruit in the blender and not just its juice. In this way you will guarantee a correct supply of fiber. On the other hand, it is convenient that you leave the commercial options for specific moments. 

3. Mixed nuts

Surely on more than one occasion you have bought those mixes of nuts that are in supermarkets or self-service stores because they are foods that you think are healthy (but they are not).

If you buy these pre-mixed nuts in large quantities, you should know that these usually contain:

• Excess salt.
• Rancid seeds.
• Sulfites that serve as preservatives.
• Sometimes sugar.

If you really want these fruits or something to snack between meals, choose whole nuts, without roasting and without salt. 

4. Granola or energy bars

Many commercial granola and energy bars have high fructose corn syrup, refined sugar, saturated and trans fats as ingredients. .

Consumption of the latter type of fat is linked to a worsening of cardiovascular health, according to an article published in the journal BMJ. For this reason it is necessary to minimize its consumption. Fortunately, it is a rare type of lipid in fresh produce.

5. Products without fat, other foods that you think are healthy

Fat-free processed foods do not guarantee the weight loss that you may be looking for. In fact, healthy fats provide a feeling of fullness.

However, you must be very careful with those foods that are advertised as “fat-free”, as they could be providing empty calories . It is also frequent that they increase their sugar content to preserve their organoleptic properties.

The best you can do is eat at least 80% self-made or organic food.

6. Yogurt ice cream

Yogurt ice cream is the biggest hoax of this century. Many people believe that by eating it they are choosing the healthiest option when in reality they are not.
For example, to These ice creams add a large amount of refined sugar and the same flavorings as normal ice creams.

If you really want an ice cream option from yoghurt  The best thing you can do is make it yourself with natural yogurt. Sweeten it with stevia, add fruit and remember not to abuse.

7. “Healthy” drinks

Diet drinks or any other similar should be eliminated from your list of supposedly healthy foods. And is that these chemical concoctions they are no better than having a glass of soda .

Instead take coconut water or just make some fruit flavored water.

8. Whole grain bread

This is another of the foods that you think is healthy but are not. The label of these breads usually indicates that they are healthy and that you can eat them daily. However, the reality is that eating these breads is the same as eating normal white bread.

Many of the breads that are labeled with the words “multigrain” or “wheat” are generally made with refined grains. Because of this, you won’t get the full nutritional benefit of the whole grain.

Make sure to always read the ingredients, or better yet, make your own bread with gluten-free flour.

Do not be fooled by appearances

The industry routinely camouflages products of poor nutritional quality under attractive packaging and slogans. Don’t be fooled by the marketing and turn to Nutrition Facts labels. 

In this way you can check what the product you are going to buy actually contains. This will make it much easier for you to choose between healthy foods and those that should only be consumed in a timely manner.