Healthy Foods? Think Again

Elizabeth Gonzales Student Contributor, St. Edward's University

Hannah Saada Student Contributor, St. Edward's University

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at St Edward's chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

The food listed below is often seen as the healthier option, but sadly this is far from the truth! Really read your labels and think about what you are truly eating.

Sugar Substitutes

Brands like Splenda, Sweet n’ Low, etc. are often seen as the healthier choice because of no sugar and no calories! Anything that uses diet sugar aka sucralose or saccharin is not healthy. These are chemicals that you are putting into your body. There are healthy sugar substitutes out there that are both zero or low glycemic. Stevia and agave are two of my favorite alternatives. They even offer both of these sugar substitutes at Starbucks! If you are unable to get your hands on a smart sugar substitute, then consider going sugar-free in your coffee and tea. If you must have a sweetener, but cannot find a smart substitute, then just go ahead and have the full sugar product!

Here are a few brands that we love:

Stevia in the Raw
Wholesome Sweetener: Blue Organic Agave
Zevia Zero Calorie Soda

http://www.theecologist.org/green_green_living/food_and_drink/1336766/top_10alternatives_to_sugar.html

Organic Junk Food

Ice cream, soda, chips, cookies, candy, etc. are still junk foods whether they are organic or not. The only difference between organic junk food and non-organic junk food is what it is made out of. Organic junk food is still empty calories, but at least it is chemical and GMO-free. If you need to have your junk food fix, then reach for the organic option if possible, but remember everything in moderation.

Soy Milk and Soy Products

Soy milk seems like the healthier options right? Wrong. Soy can cause a hormonal imbalance in both men and women since it acts like estrogen in our bodies. Too much estrogen can cause awful periods, terrible PMSing, weight gain, headaches, etc. Choose another milk alternative, such as almond, cashew, or pecan milk, but make sure that you buy the original no sugar added option! A lot of milk alternatives are packed with sugar, so read your labels!

http://www.hotzevitamins.com/blog/soy-is-not-healthy/

Milk and Milk Products

Have you ever thought about how we are the only mammals that drink milk after infancy and how we are the only mammals that drink other mammals milk that is produced for their babies? Kind of gross when you actually think about it. Not only is the concept of drinking animal milk is odd, but a number of side effects that come along with milk is crazy. Milk can cause acne, eczema, gas, and weight gain. Since my brother has eliminated milk out of his diet, his eczema has disappeared as well! Again, choose another milk alternative, such as almond, cashew, or pecan milk, but make sure that you buy the original no sugar added option! A lot of milk alternatives are packed with sugar, so read your labels!

http://www.fullyraw.com/why-milk-is-bad-for-you/

Yogurt

Again, this is a milk product, but other than that, yogurt is full of sugar and I mean packed! Unless you are eating plain Greek yogurt, your yogurt is full of sugar and when something is packed with sugar it is packed with carbs.

Low-Fat and Fat-Free Products

How do you think low-fat and fat-free products taste good? SUGAR IS ADDED. When you take something out, you must add something in. Do y’all know what sugar breaks down as in your body? FAT! Sugar is stored as FAT! So very opposite of why someone would buy a fat-free product. Also, fat-free products are loaded with carbs, well because its loaded with sugar! Go for the full-fat option. Eat healthy fats, such as avocados, olive oil, and nuts.

http://www.hotzehwc.com/2011/06/stay-away-from-grocery-store-fat-traps/

As the saying goes, you are what you eat! Read your labels and snack smartly!