18 ‘Health Foods’ Secretly Making You Obese

We all want to eat healthy and stay in shape. But sometimes, the foods we think are good for us might do more harm than good. It’s confusing when things labeled “health foods” could secretly add extra pounds to our waistlines.

In this article, I’ll look at 18 so-called “health foods” that might be making you gain weight without you even knowing it. Some of these might surprise you, and others might explain why your diet isn’t working as well as you hoped.

Granola

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Granola seems healthy because it has oats and nuts. But it’s often packed with sugar and extra fats. A small serving can have lots of calories. Try plain oats with fresh fruit instead for a healthier breakfast.

Fruit juice

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Fruit juice has vitamins, but it’s also full of sugar without the fiber of whole fruit. It’s easy to drink too much juice and get extra calories. Eating whole fruits or having water with a squeeze of lemon is better.

Low-fat yogurt

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When yogurt has the fat removed, companies often add sugar to make it taste better. This can mean more calories than regular yogurt. Look for plain yogurt and add your own fresh fruit for flavor.

Protein bars

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Many protein bars are more like candy bars with added protein. They can be high in sugar and calories. If you need a quick snack, try a handful of nuts or a piece of fruit with some cheese instead.

Smoothies

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Store-bought smoothies can have a lot of sugar and calories. Even homemade ones can be too much if you add lots of fruit, juice, and sweeteners. Stick to smoothies with more veggies than fruit, and watch your portion size.

Trail mix

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Trail mix has healthy nuts, but it often includes chocolate, dried fruit, and sometimes candy. This makes it high in calories. Make your own mix with mostly nuts and seeds, and just a little dried fruit for a healthier snack.

Veggie chips

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These might seem better than regular chips, but they’re often just as salty and fatty. They don’t have the same nutrients as fresh veggies. Try sliced cucumbers or carrot sticks for a crunchy, healthy snack instead.

Flavored water

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Many flavored waters have added sugars or artificial sweeteners. This can add calories or make you crave more sweet things. Plain water or water with a slice of lemon or cucumber is a better choice.

Dried fruit

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Dried fruit has vitamins, but it’s also very high in sugar and calories. It’s easy to eat too much because it’s smaller than fresh fruit. Stick to small portions or choose fresh fruit instead.

Gluten-free snacks

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Just because something is gluten-free doesn’t mean it’s healthy. Many gluten-free snacks are high in sugar and refined carbs. If you don’t need to avoid gluten, whole grain snacks are often healthier.

Coconut oil

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Coconut oil is often called a health food, but it’s very high in calories and saturated fat. A little bit is okay, but using too much can lead to weight gain. Other oils like olive oil might be healthier choices.

Acai bowls

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Acai bowls look healthy with their bright colors and fruit toppings. But they’re often very high in sugar and calories. The portions are usually big too. Try a smaller portion or make your own with less added sugar.

Energy drinks

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These drinks might give you a boost, but they’re often full of sugar or artificial sweeteners. They can have as many calories as soda. Water is the best drink for most people. If you need energy, try a small coffee instead.

Bran muffins

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Bran sounds healthy, but most bran muffins are still high in sugar and fat. They can have as many calories as a doughnut. If you want a muffin, try making your own with less sugar and add some fruit for sweetness.

Frozen yogurt

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People often think frozen yogurt is a healthy ice cream alternative. However, it can still be high in sugar, and many people eat large portions with high-calorie toppings. A small portion of regular ice cream might actually be better.

Sports drinks

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Unless you’re doing intense exercise, you probably don’t need sports drinks. They’re full of sugar and calories. Water is the best choice for staying hydrated during normal activities or light exercise.

Packaged turkey

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Packaged turkey seems like a lean protein choice, but many types are high in sodium. Some have added sugars too. This can make you retain water and feel bloated. Try cooking your own turkey breast for sandwiches instead.

Wheat bread

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Not all wheat bread is whole wheat bread. Some “wheat” breads are mostly refined flour with a little wheat flour added. This isn’t much better than white bread. Look for “100% whole wheat” on the label for a healthier choice.

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Mary Apurong

Mary Apurong is an experienced writer and editor who enjoys researching topics related to lifestyle and creating content on gardening, food, travel, crafts, and DIY. She spends her free time doing digital art and watching documentaries. Check out some of her works on Mastermind Quotes.