Top 5 Unhealthiest Health Foods

We'd all like to eat healthier, but take a close look at what's billed as health food. Have a look at the best disguised unhealthiest health foods.
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Living healthy can be confusing with so many food trends: sugar-free, fat-free, low-carb, and gluten-free. It’s hard to navigate the “healthy” world, especially when some misleading foods claim to be healthy when they’re of the unhealthiest health foods. Keep in mind that supposedly “good” foods often lack the nutrition they claim. Worse still, many have unhealthy amounts of sodium and calories. It’s crucial to scrutinize the labels of such foods to maintain good health.unhealthiest health foods.

Here are the top 5 unhealthiest health foods:

5. Diet Soda

Many believe that switching from regular soda to diet soda is a healthier choice, but the truth is more complex. While a can or two of diet soda is unlikely to be harmful, it won’t necessarily help you lose weight, and it can come with risks. Diet sodas contain tooth-enamel-eroding flavors and additives, as well as artificial sweeteners that have been linked to various health problems.

Studies show that people who drink four or more cups of diet soda daily have a greater chance of developing depression. In Denmark, high consumption of diet soda has been associated with preterm deliveries in pregnant women. What’s more, some scientists have claimed that low-calorie sweeteners could lead to weight gain and type 2 diabetes.

So, before switching to diet soda, it’s worth considering the potential risks carefully.

Try Hint Water

4. Trail Mix

unhealthiest health foods

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Trail mix is a delectable snack, abundant in healthy ingredients like nuts which have low-carbohydrate contents and high levels of healthful proteins and monounsaturated/polyunsaturated fats. However, depending on the specific ingredients added, it can easily become quite high in calories, with up to 706.6 calories per cup!

But, you can opt for using dried fruit instead of sugary chocolate chips, cutting down a whopping 135 calories per cup. Another alternative is enjoying a handful of raw nuts and a slice of high-cacao dark chocolate instead. This way, you can relish the healthy goodness of trail mix without stressing out about the calories.

3. Granola Bars

unhealthiest health foods

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Despite being marketed as a healthy snack, granola bars can be surprisingly high in sodium, sugar, and saturated fats. In fact, a typical store-bought bar can pack a staggering 414 calories—more than a McDonald’s Double Cheeseburger! And things can get even worse when popular additions like peanut butter or chocolate are thrown in, creating a calorie count as high as 536 for just a 3.5-ounce snack.

For a smarter option, prioritize granola bars with whole grains, natural ingredients, and limited sugar. And always keep portions in check, so you can enjoy these healthy snacks in moderation!

2. Wheat and Multi-Grain Bread

unhealthiest health foods

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People praise whole wheat and multi-grain bread as healthy sources of complex carbohydrates and protein.. However, much of the bread marketed contains refined grains that are anything but healthy. Take the time to read the label, and beware of any product with the deceptive “whole wheat” or “multi-grain” labeling that lists unbleached enriched wheat flour or bleached flour as its first ingredient—it’s not really whole wheat or multi-grain, and you’re better off without it!

Here’s a pro tip: a slice of truly healthy bread packs at least 2 grams of fibre, so keep an eye out for this nutritional benchmark when shopping. Don’t fall for fancy marketing tactics that disguise white bread as healthy and wholesome whole wheat or multi-grain. Stay healthy, stay smart!

1. Prepared Salads

unhealthiest health foods

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We often see salads as a health food, but beware: they can be deceivingly unhealthy. Just because it has lettuce doesn’t mean it is healthy. For instance, California Pizza Kitchen’s Moroccan-Spiced Chicken salad dishes out a whopping 1,370 calories – that’s like eating 2 and a half Big Macs!

Luckily, many restaurants now offer lower-calorie options for salad meals. For example, you can opt for a half portion of Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad, and skip the dressing, to reduce the calorie count from a whopping 1,390 calories to just 360. Don’t let salads fool you – choose wisely, check the nutritional values, and stay healthy!

Look at our Top 5 quick and healthy snacks for alternative ideas to these top 5 unhealthiest health foods or it’s your cheat day. We’ve got some healthy dessert options to try.