We all want to eat healthily, but sometimes even foods that seem like they’re doing us good can be sneaky offenders. They might have a healthy image, but they can secretly be packed with sugar, fat, or other not-so-great ingredients. Let’s take a look at 21 foods that might not be as healthy as you think, breaking down the facts in a super-simple way.
1. Granola Bars
Granola Bars are not as healthy as you think.
Why They’re Sneaky: Granola bars are often marketed as healthy snacks, but many are loaded with sugar and syrups. Even though they might contain oats and nuts, the sugar content can be high, making them more like a candy bar than a healthy option.
What to Watch For: Check the ingredients for added sugars and high fructose corn syrup. Look for bars with low sugar and whole, natural ingredients.
2. Flavored Yogurt
Flavored yoghurt is not as healthy as you think.
Why They’re Sneaky: Flavored yogurts often have a lot of added sugars and artificial flavors. While yogurt can be a good source of probiotics and calcium, the added sugars can turn it into a less healthy choice.
What to Watch For: Opt for plain yogurt and add your own fresh fruit for natural sweetness.
3. Whole-Wheat Bread
Whole wheat bread is not as healthy as you think.
Why It’s Sneaky: Not all whole-wheat breads are created equal. Some are made with refined flour and only a small amount of whole wheat. They can still be high in sugar and low in fiber.
What to Watch For: Look for bread labeled “100% whole wheat” and check the ingredient list for whole grain flours.
4. Salad Dressings
Salad dressings are really not as healthy as you think.
Why They’re Sneaky: Many commercial salad dressings are high in sugar, unhealthy fats, and calories. Even if you’re eating a healthy salad, the dressing can turn it into a calorie bomb.
What to Watch For: Make your own dressing with olive oil, vinegar, and herbs, or choose dressings with minimal added sugars and healthy fats.
5. Smoothie Bowls
Smoothie bowls are not as healthy as you think.
Why They’re Sneaky: Smoothie bowls often seem healthy because they’re made with fruits and vegetables, but they can be high in sugars, especially if they contain fruit juices or sweetened yogurt. Toppings like granola can also add extra sugar and calories.
What to Watch For: Make sure your smoothie bowl includes mostly vegetables and whole fruits, and watch out for sugary toppings.
6. Diet Soda
Diet soda is totally not as healthy as you think.
Why It’s Sneaky: Diet sodas use artificial sweeteners to replace sugar, which can have their own health concerns. Some studies suggest these sweeteners may disrupt metabolism or encourage cravings for sugary foods.
What to Watch For: Consider drinking water or flavored water with no added sugars or artificial sweeteners.
7. Frozen Yogurt
Frozen yoghurt? Yep. Not as healthy as you think.
Why It’s Sneaky: Frozen yogurt is often perceived as a healthier alternative to ice cream, but many frozen yogurts are high in sugars and artificial flavors. The “healthy” image can be misleading.
What to Watch For: Choose plain frozen yogurt and avoid high-sugar toppings.
8. Breakfast Cereals
Breakfast cereals are certainly NOT as healthy as you think.
Why They’re Sneaky: Many breakfast cereals, even those that claim to be healthy, are high in sugar and low in fiber. The whole grain label doesn’t always mean they’re a good choice.
What to Watch For: Look for cereals with whole grains and high fiber content, and check for low sugar levels.
9. Energy Drinks
No, energy drinks are not as healthy as you think either.
Why They’re Sneaky: Energy drinks are often packed with sugar and caffeine. They can give you a quick boost but may lead to energy crashes and long-term health issues.
What to Watch For: Opt for water or natural beverages like herbal teas if you need a pick-me-up.
10. Low-Fat Snacks
Low-fat snacks are not as healthy as you think.
Why They’re Sneaky: Low-fat snacks can be high in sugar and artificial ingredients to make up for the flavor lost when fat is removed. They might not be as healthy as they appear.
What to Watch For: Choose snacks that are naturally low in fat and high in whole, unprocessed ingredients.
11. Granola
Why It’s Sneaky: Granola is often seen as a healthy option, but it can be packed with sugars, oils, and calories. The serving size can be deceptively small.
What to Watch For: Make your own granola at home with less sugar and healthy fats or look for low-sugar options.
12. Canned Soup
Why It’s Sneaky: Many canned soups are high in sodium and preservatives. While they can be convenient, the salt content can be very high.
What to Watch For: Opt for soups labeled as low-sodium or make your own at home with fresh ingredients.
13. Whole-Wheat Pasta
Why It’s Sneaky: Whole-wheat pasta is often seen as a healthier alternative to regular pasta, but it can still be high in carbohydrates and calories. The whole-wheat version can be just as high in calories if you don’t watch portion sizes.
What to Watch For: Use whole-wheat pasta in moderation and balance it with plenty of vegetables.
14. Fruit Juices
Why They’re Sneaky: Fruit juices, even if they’re labeled as 100% juice, can be high in natural sugars and calories. They often lack the fiber found in whole fruits.
What to Watch For: Opt for whole fruits instead of juice, or if you do drink juice, choose unsweetened varieties and watch your portion size.
15. Avocado Toast
Why It’s Sneaky: While avocados are a healthy fat source, avocado toast can quickly become unhealthy if topped with too many extras or if you use large amounts of butter or mayonnaise.
What to Watch For: Keep your toppings simple and use whole-grain bread to balance out the health benefits.
16. Low-Calorie Foods
Why They’re Sneaky: Low-calorie foods often contain artificial sweeteners and chemicals to replace fat or sugar, which can be problematic for health. The reduced calories might not make up for other health drawbacks.
What to Watch For: Focus on whole foods with naturally low calories rather than processed low-calorie options.
17. Sushi Rolls
Why They’re Sneaky: Sushi rolls can be high in calories, especially if they contain cream cheese, tempura, or sugary sauces. Some sushi rolls are more like a calorie bomb than a healthy option.
What to Watch For: Choose sushi rolls with fresh fish and vegetables, and be cautious with sauces and fried ingredients.
18. Sweetened Almond Milk
Why It’s Sneaky: While almond milk can be a good dairy alternative, sweetened versions are often high in added sugars. Even though it’s plant-based, the added sugars can make it less healthy.
What to Watch For: Opt for unsweetened almond milk or other plant-based milks with no added sugars.
19. Microwave Popcorn
Why It’s Sneaky: Microwave popcorn can be high in unhealthy fats, artificial flavorings, and sodium. While popcorn itself can be a healthy snack, the pre-packaged versions are often less so.
What to Watch For: Make your own popcorn at home with minimal oil and salt, or choose air-popped popcorn with simple seasonings.
20. Protein Bars
Why They’re Sneaky: Many protein bars are marketed as health foods but can be loaded with sugars, artificial ingredients, and unhealthy fats. They might not be as nutritious as they seem.
What to Watch For: Check the labels for added sugars and processed ingredients. Look for bars with minimal additives and whole ingredients.
21. Pita Chips
Why Pita Chips are Sneaky: Pita chips are often perceived as a healthier alternative to regular chips, but they can be just as high in calories, fat, and sodium, especially if they’re fried or heavily salted.
What to Watch For: Choose baked pita chips with minimal added salt or make your own chips from whole-wheat pita bread.
Wrapping It Up
Eating healthy can sometimes be tricky, especially when foods that seem good for you might not be as healthy as they appear. By staying informed and checking ingredient lists, you can make better choices and enjoy a truly balanced diet. Keep in mind that moderation and variety are key, and always opt for whole, natural foods whenever possible. Here’s to eating well and staying savvy about your food choices!
