Every year, around 678,000 Americans die of conditions related to consistently eating unhealthy foods. The sad part is that some of these unfortunate people don’t even know that they’re practicing bad eating habits.
There are far too many healthy eating myths floating around for our own good nowadays. So, even if you’re trying to eat well, you could miss the mark completely.
Check out this unhealthy food list if you want to separate the good from the bad when it comes to your diet.
1. Unwholesome Whole Grains
On their own, grains are great for maintaining blood sugar levels, avoiding heart conditions, and keeping our digestive tracts ticking along nicely.
The trouble starts when manufacturers add to these almost perfect foods. Sugar is the number one enemy when it comes to extras in your whole-grain cereal.
Most people think that a bowl of cereal is a fantastic way to kick start their day. After all, they’re filled with vitamins, protein, and fiber, right?
Manufacturers of these products love to market all the good things contained in their breakfast cereals. They’re not so loud and proud when it comes to the sugar content.
Children’s cereals aren’t the only culprits, either. If you read the nutritional information on a box of ‘heart healthy’ cereal, you’re bound to discover added sugar listed among the ingredients.
Added sugar is a major ingredient in most unhealthy foods. Nobody should consume more than 50 grams of sugar per day, and a bowl of processed breakfast cereal can set you well on your way to achieving that target at the outset.
If you want to enjoy the best benefits of whole grains, rather choose unrefined versions, like brown rice, natural oats, bulgar, and quinoa.
These grains are also a good source of vital vitamin B12 for those following a plant-based diet. Read this for more info on the importance of this vitamin.
2. Almost All Yogurt-Based Products
Yogurt is fantastic for bone and gut health, but only when it’s served naturally and unsweetened.
So before you substitute your ice cream treat with frozen yogurt, remember that while fro-yo has less fat than ice cream, it can contain even more sugar than the original frozen treat.
If you add a few toppings, you’re almost certain to blow your daily sugar budget right there and then.
The same applies to yogurt-covered pretzels and raisins. These treats often have more sugar in them than the chocolate you’re trying to avoid.
Flavored, sweetened yogurt is another no-no, as is yogurt with added fruit.
3. Protein Bars and Shakes
There’s no doubt that protein is good for you, especially in the form of beans, eggs, fish, and lean meat. If you eat enough of these basics, you shouldn’t need any extra protein.
Active people who follow plant-based diets may need a little protein boost every so often, but not in the form of these over-processed foods that are unhealthy and low in nutritional value.
Artificial sweeteners, colors, thickeners, and oils occur in almost all these products, along with an unhealthy dose of sugar.
4. Energy Drinks
If you follow a healthy diet, and you’re moderately active, you do not need an energy booster. These popular energy-filled drinks contain enormous amounts of sugar and caffeine.
These temporary energy sources can cause inflammation and also harm your liver and heart.
They’re unnatural and not good for you at all. People with active lifestyles who need a pick-me-up are better off speaking to their doctor about a suitable supplement.
In a similar vein, sports drinks contain high levels of sodium, which causes high blood pressure. Stick to water if you’re thirsty after a workout.
5. Unhealthy Cheesy Choices
Cheese is another big contender when it comes to added sodium. This otherwise healthy savory snack is often packed with salt and fat.
Processed cheese can contain as much as 420 mg of sodium per ounce. Cottage cheese and other low-fat options are only a little further down the scale when it comes to sodium levels.
Salt is a vital ingredient in cheese production, it controls the moisture content in cheese, kills harmful bacteria, preserves it, and contributes to its taste and texture.
In most cases, soft cheeses and low-sodium varieties like ricotta, Swiss, and fresh mozzarella cheese are a better choice.
6. Unhealthy Green Foods
If it’s green, it must be good, right? Marketers know that we associate the colors of nature with good health, and they use this against us when marketing their products.
Spinach pasta and tortillas are one example.
These foods are high in gluten and carbohydrates, which are bad for you in large doses. Adding a minuscule amount of spinach to the mix doesn’t make up for this.
Rather, choose whole-grain pasta and wraps and add fresh greens to your meal. The best way to harness the benefits of green foods in your diet is by eating them as naturally as possible.
7. Plant-Based Unhealthy Foods
Veganism and vegetarianism are popular lifestyle choices nowadays, and marketers know that. So, if you’re serious about reaping the benefits of a plant-based diet, steer clear of processed foods bearing these labels.
Many of these meat-replacement products contain huge amounts of ultra-processed components, like salt, sugar, and plenty of preservatives.
As far as possible, stick to homemade vegan and vegetarian options like plant-based burgers made from mushrooms, cashews, and rice.
Instead of relying on unhealthy food like store-bought vegan meat products, try using natural food ingredients to make your own at home. For example, you can make plant-based burgers out of ingredients like black beans, mushrooms, rice, and cashews.
Live Long and Prosper
Steering clear of unhealthy foods can contribute to preventing deficiencies and disease. Yet, optimum health depends on many other factors, too.
So take good care of yourself by exercising regularly, sleeping well, and watching what you eat.
Are you always looking for ways to enhance your health and wellbeing? Browse our health section for all the best tips and information.
