In a world of diet-this and sugar-free-that, it’s hard to tell what’s healthy from what’s just made to look so. That vending machine granola bar looks pretty healthy, right? Here are 4 foods that look a lot healthier than they really are.
Yogurt – This scrumptious breakfast condiment contains almost the same amount of sugar as most candy bars. Did you know Yoplait’s Peach flavored yogurt contains a whopping 17 grams? If this isn’t enough to make you cringe, most brands fill their yogurts with high fructose corn syrup (disguised under a façade of “modified corn starch”).
Granola – Crunchy and delicious, granola is my favorite go-to snack. But this yummy cereal is packed with sugar and can leave you feeling tired and fatigued. Instead of nabbing some off the grocery store shelf, opt for a more natural munchie – muesli. The less crunchy cousin of granola, muesli boasts an impressive collection of oats and whole grains. Mix with sliced almonds or walnuts for an after-workout snack.
Prepared Salads – Trader Joe’s salads are bomb. But take one look at the nutrition facts and you’ll wonder why you didn’t eat that slice of pizza instead. Due to the extra dressing and preservatives, packaged salads are heavy with sodium and fat. In fact, most salads are around 700 calories, depending on what type you consume. Create your own salad instead and steer clear of coating your greens with mayonnaise and ranch.
Protein Bars – Clif, Tiger’s Milk, you name it, these mistakenly “healthy” bars are full of extra things your body just doesn’t need. At 310 calories, one Pure Protein bar contains 260 mg of Sodium. Clif bars contain an average of 42 grams of carbohydrates and 22 grams of sugar, plus they only have about 10 grams of protein and have an extremely low fiber content. If you want a low sugar snack packed with fiber and protein, grab a bag of nuts instead.
There are plenty of so-called “health” foods that just don’t reap any benefits for your body. While these goodies aren’t as great as they seem to be, remember that a healthy food regime can include these foods – but in moderation! Keep boosting your brain with food this week while you prepare for your mid-terms. Good luck Highlanders!