The 'Healthy' Foods You Should Avoid

The 'Healthy' Foods You Should Avoid

Trying to eat healthily isn’t easy; in our attempts to choose what’s best for our health and our waistlines, we can all be fooled by some clever marketing. Healthy eating is big business so it’s understandable that companies want in on the action. But how do you know which foods to avoid for the best weight loss results with Phen Caps? 

1. Granola

We really don’t know where granola gets its healthy rep from as it’s anything but. A small cup of granola can pack in as much as 600 calories, 30 grams of fat and 24 grams of sugar – the equivalent of starting your day with a very large slice of cheesecake! If you feel like a crunchy cereal in the morning, opt for plain cornflakes or Special K with nonfat milk for a much healthier alternative.

2. Nutella

Another breakfast favorite, Nutella is often thought of as being healthy (or at least healthier than other spreads) because it contains nuts. But, one look at the ingredients list will show you that hazelnuts come way down on the list and that it’s actually almost entirely made up of sugar and palm oil. Just give it a miss altogether and stick to a couple of squares of dark chocolate with at least 85% cocoa if you feel like a chocolately treat.

3. Egg Beaters

First off, if you’re still eating egg-white omelets then you clearly didn’t get the memo that egg yolks contain a whole load of nutrients including choline, which actually helps to burn fat. But, if you insist on limiting your intake of egg yolks then steer clear of egg beaters as they’re as far removed from an actual egg as you can get. In fact, egg beaters are so over-processed that the manufacturers of egg beaters have to add in synthetic vitamins to boost the nutrient density. The lesson here is that if it seems quick and easy it’s probably not as good as the real thing.

4. Deli Meats

Sliced meats like ham are regularly touted as great dieting options for boosting your protein content. However, sliced meats are often over-processed and loaded with salt, sugar, preservatives and chemicals to keep them fresh for longer. If you’re looking for a quick protein hit try boiled eggs, nuts, seeds or cooked chicken breast. Remember, if you want your muscles to be strong and healthy, the protein you build them with needs to be high quality.

5. Nutrition Bars

Energy bars, nutrition bars, protein bars…they come under many different names but are all essentially the same thing. Nutrition bars fool us into thinking that they provide a quick and healthy snack between meals, but for all the calorie-dense carbs and sugar they contain, you may as well eat a candy bar and enjoy it. For those times when you want a sweet but healthy snack to tide you over, opt for fruit such as an apple – the pectin in apples can keep hunger at bay for up to two hours.

6. Packaged Oatmeal

This might confuse you since we’re always talking about how great oatmeal is to help weight loss. Well, oatmeal is great for you as it has no sugar, lots of fiber and protein as well as slow-releasing carbs for an extended energy boost. But, when it comes to packaged oatmeal it’s a whole different story. Packs of flavored instant oats are often loaded with sugar and preservatives, completely undoing any good that the oats may have done for you. Stick to the basics when it comes to oatmeal and just buy a box of plain oats then add your own toppings, such as cinnamon, fruit and nuts.

7. Fruit Smoothies

Again, we’re always talking about how great smoothies are for a healthy snack, and the perfect way to increase your fruit intake. But, you have to put in the time and make them yourself as shop-bought smoothies can pack in more calories and sugar than your average dessert. Many prepared smoothies are blended with high-calorie dairy bases and sweeteners, plus they contain a lot less fruit than they’d have you believe. So, take your blender out of storage and start whipping up your own fruity concoctions for a truly healthy smoothie!

Have you been fooled by any of these supposedly healthy foods? Or do you have any suggestions for foods that we should give a miss? Let us know by commenting below!

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