Between catchy titles and misleading food titles, foods and drinks can be marketed as healthy yet are anything but. This causes trouble for people trying to lose weight; they think they are making good choices, but they’re sabotaging their efforts without even knowing it.
New Paltz Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing has a look at five foods that nutritionists warn are not healthy despite outward appearances.
- Fat-Free Yogurt
It’s not so much the fat in yogurt that’s the issue; rather, it’s the flavor. The artificial sweeteners, colors, and preservatives to create the flavors are much worse to ingest than full-fat plain yogurt. Choose plain yogurt and add fresh fruit to sweeten it naturally.
- Baked Potato Chips
It’s true that baked chips have fewer calories compared to standard fried chips, but they are more processed than their original counterparts and also contain more sugar. If blood sugar is an issue, stick with normal potato chips if you must indulge.
- Agave Syrup
This is marketed as a “healthier” alternative to sugar, but while your blood sugar won’t rise as much, there is also some harm behind this product. It’s loaded with fructose, which is the type of sugar that’s most harmful and can cause liver problems.
- Protein Bars
Don’t feel like you need a protein bar after a hard workout. While they do contain additional protein, you can usually get what you need from food and be able to avoid the approximately 250 calories per bar, which is equivalent to eating a candy bar.
- Granola
It’s fine to top your oatmeal or yogurt with a quarter-cup of granola, but don’t overdo it, as it’s packed with calories and sugar. Fortified cereals like Cheerios are a better option if you’re planning on eating a bowl of granola.
To learn more about New Paltz Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing and all of the services they offer, visit https://new-paltz-center.facilities.centershealthcare.org/.
