When you think of healthy foods, there are probably a few foods that immediately come to mind. Quinoa, eggs, pretty much anything fresh and green. Most of the foods that we think of as being unquestionably healthy are great for us in a large number of ways. Unfortunately, there are other foods out there that we have been mistaken about for years. Sure, the foods on this list still aren’t as bad as sugary snack cakes or high calorie sodas, but their reputations as being healthy foods are built on more than a few misconceptions. You certainly don’t have to stop eating these items altogether but you might want to be aware these unhealthy foods before your next trip to the supermarket.
1. Frozen Yogurt
Frozen yogurt is often thought of as a healthier alternative to ice cream, and while that is true in some respects, it still shouldn’t be classified as a particularly healthy food. No matter how many fresh fruits you top your favorite fro-yo with, it is still full of sugar and contains plenty of calories. That being said, it is still a better option than full-fat ice cream, but you should definitely be sure to watch your toppings and your serving sizes.
2. Parfaits
Another yogurt based item, parfaits are often thought of as a healthy breakfast option for people on the go. Alongside the yogurt, they are also usually filled with plenty of fruit and quite a bit of granola. And while parfaits are usually full of calcium, which is great for you, they also have tons of sugar. As a healthier option, choose some plain, low-fat yogurt and mix in a bit of fruit. This might not be as fun as regular parfaits, but it is a lot healthier.
3. Margarine
Margarine has long since thought to be a healthier alternative to butter, so much so that many families have completely nixed the real stuff. Unfortunately, those claims have proven to be untrue. Margarine may be low in fat but it is high in refined oils and weird chemicals. Unsalted, grass-fed butter is, in moderation, much better for you than the fake stuff.
4. Frozen Diet Meals
With their perfect little portions and low calories, frozen diet meals can seem like a dream come true to someone looking for a quick, healthy meal. But those frozen trays are full of unsavory additives and sodium and contain way less actual nutritional value than you’d actually think. Many of the healthy meals that you make at home can be frozen for a while and reheated relatively easy. As a plus they will taste way better and you’ll know every ingredient that goes in them.
5. Rice Cakes
Rice cakes get kind of a bad taste for being tasteless, but on top of that, they are also unhealthy as well. They are definitely very low when it comes to calorie counts but they also contain almost no nutritional value as well. Those things, on top of being relatively flavorless and barely filling mean that it may be best to stay away from them completely.
6. Gluten-Free Products
Many of us have come to view the words “gluten-free” as automatically meaning healthy. This is completely untrue. Gluten-free, only means that a product of completely devoid of any gluten product. These products can still be full of refined starches, sugar, and other processed items. Gluten-Free products CAN be healthy, but just make sure you are checking the nutritional labels before tossing in your shopping cart.