In a world packed with endless food choices, it’s easy to get lost in the maze of what’s healthy and what’s not. But here’s the thing: not all foods are created equal, and some might be sneaking onto your plate when they really shouldn’t be there at all.
We’ve all heard about superfoods and their amazing benefits, but what about the not-so-super foods? This blog is all about uncovering 23 foods that probably shouldn’t be on anyone’s plate.
Processed Meats
Hot dogs, bacon, and deli meats might taste good, but they’re not great for your health. These foods are often high in salt, fat, and chemicals called nitrates. The World Health Organization says eating 50 grams of processed meat a day (that’s about one hot dog) can increase your chance of getting colon cancer by 18%.
Sugary Cereals
Many breakfast cereals are more like dessert than a healthy start to your day. They’re often packed with sugar and don’t have much fiber. Some popular cereals can have up to 12 grams of sugar per serving – that’s 3 teaspoons! Try switching to whole grain cereals with less sugar, or make your own oatmeal for a healthier breakfast.
Soda
Regular sodas are basically liquid sugar. A 12-ounce can of cola has about 39 grams of sugar – that’s almost 10 teaspoons! Drinking too much soda can lead to weight gain and tooth decay. If you’re craving something fizzy, try sparkling water with a splash of fruit juice instead.
Artificial Sweeteners
While these might seem like a good way to cut calories, some studies show they might actually make you crave more sweets. The American Heart Association (AHA) and American Diabetes Association (ADA) have given a cautious nod to the use of artificial sweeteners in place of sugar. They can also change the good bacteria in your gut, which might affect your health.
Margarine
This butter substitute is often high in trans fats, which are bad for your heart. Even though many brands have removed trans fats, margarine is still a processed food with little nutritional value. Consider using small amounts of real butter or heart-healthy olive oil instead.
White Bread
White bread is made from refined flour, which has had most of its nutrients stripped away. It can cause quick spikes in blood sugar and doesn’t keep you feeling full for very long. Whole-grain bread is a much better choice, offering more fiber and nutrients.
Fruit Juices
While they come from fruit, most of the fiber has been removed. This leaves mostly sugar and some vitamins. A glass of apple juice can have as much sugar as a can of soda! For a healthier option, try eating whole fruits or making smoothies that keep the fiber intact.
Fried Foods
Foods like French fries and fried chicken are high in unhealthy fats and calories. Eating too much fried food has been linked to heart problems and weight gain. Try baking or air frying your favorite foods for a healthier twist on crispy treats.
Energy Drinks
These are often packed with caffeine and sugar. Some energy drinks can have up to 62 grams of sugar per serving – that’s like eating 15 sugar cubes! If you need an energy boost, try having a piece of fruit with some nuts, or a small cup of coffee.
Frozen Dinners
Many frozen meals are high in sodium and preservatives. Some can have more than half of the recommended daily amount of sodium in just one serving. If you need quick meals, try meal prepping on weekends or keeping healthy ingredients on hand for fast, fresh dinners.
Also read: 15 Hearty Soup Recipes Perfect For Cold Weather
Flavored Yogurts
While yogurt can be healthy, many flavored varieties are loaded with sugar. Some brands can have up to 30 grams of sugar per serving – that’s more than some candy bars! Try buying plain yogurt and adding your own fresh fruit for natural sweetness.
Packaged Snack Cakes
These treats are often high in sugar, unhealthy fats, and artificial ingredients. One popular snack cake can have 18 grams of sugar – that’s almost 5 teaspoons in one small cake! For a healthier sweet treat, try having a piece of fresh fruit or a small square of dark chocolate.
Movie Theater Popcorn
The popcorn itself isn’t bad, but the oil and toppings add a lot of unhealthy fat and calories. A large bucket can have up to 1,200 calories and 60 grams of saturated fat! Consider bringing your own air-popped popcorn to the movies, or sharing a small size if you do indulge.
Alcohol
While some types in moderation might have health benefits, too much alcohol can damage your liver and increase your risk of certain cancers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says 1 in 6 US adults binge drinks about 4 times a month. If you choose to drink, stick to the recommended limits and alternate with water.
Canned Soups
Many canned soups are very high in sodium. Some can have up to 940 milligrams per serving – that’s more than half the recommended daily amount! Look for low-sodium options or try making your own soup at home where you can control the salt.
Artificial Food Coloring
These chemicals are found in many processed foods and candies. Some studies suggest they might be linked to hyperactivity in children. Try to choose foods with natural colors from fruits and vegetables instead.
Frozen Pizzas
These are often high in calories, unhealthy fats, and sodium. One serving of frozen pizza can have up to 1,200 milligrams of sodium – that’s more than half of what you should have in a day! For a healthier option, try making your own pizza at home with whole grain crust and lots of veggie toppings
Packaged Cookies
Store-bought cookies are often high in sugar, unhealthy fats, and artificial ingredients. Some popular brands can have up to 14 grams of sugar per 2 cookies – that’s more than 3 teaspoons! If you love cookies, try baking your own with healthier ingredients like oats and dark chocolate chips.
Microwave Popcorn
The bags often contain chemicals that might not be good for you. Plus, many brands add a lot of salt and artificial butter flavoring. Consider buying plain kernels and popping them in a paper bag in the microwave or on the stove for a healthier snack.
Sports Drinks
Unless you’re doing intense exercise, these drinks are usually unnecessary. They can have a lot of sugar – some contain up to 34 grams per bottle! Plain water is the best choice for staying hydrated during normal activities.
Chicken Nuggets
These are often more breading than chicken and are usually fried in unhealthy oils. Some brands have only 50% chicken – the rest is fillers and additives. If you like nuggets, try making your own by coating chicken breast pieces in whole wheat breadcrumbs and baking them.
Fruit Snacks
Despite their name, these are often more like candy than fruit. Many brands have very little real fruit and are mostly sugar and artificial ingredients. For a real fruit snack, try dried fruit with no added sugar or fresh fruit slices.
Instant Noodles
These are high in sodium and often fried during processing. One package can have up to 1,500 milligrams of sodium – that’s almost all you should have in a day! If you need a quick meal, try keeping whole grain pasta and simple sauce ingredients on hand for a faster, healthier option.
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