Individuals worldwide dedicate time and effort to maintaining their health and fitness. Besides exercise, diet is a key element influencing fitness levels. The food you consume directly impacts your health. When embarking on a fitness journey, people often aim to eat healthily; however, not all foods are as healthy as they appear. Some items added to diet plans may seem healthy but are not. We’ve compiled a list of 50 such foods that shouldn’t be part of your diet plan.
Items that are free of gluten
There are numerous individuals who have a sensitivity to gluten, making gluten-free foods beneficial for them. However, if your goal is to lose weight and maintain fitness, opting for gluten-free products might not be the best approach. Contrary to popular belief, gluten-free foods are often more processed and can contain higher amounts of carbohydrates and sugar compared to foods with gluten. Therefore, if you’re aiming to reduce calories, merely concentrating on the gluten-free aspect of any given food won’t be particularly helpful.
Salad Dressing with Reduced Fat
Many people will say that salad is among the healthiest foods available. If you look online for information about healthy eating habits, you will definitely find salad included in the recommendations. Low-fat salad dressing might appear healthy because of its low-fat content, but some ingredients in the dressing contain a significant amount of sugar, potentially leading to weight gain. You might believe you are eating healthily, but in fact, you could be consuming as much fat as you would from your regular daily diet.
Granola
Granola is often considered a health food, but this perception might be misguided. While granola is indeed nutritious and may offer health benefits, the versions available in the market today often contain significant amounts of sugar and butter, which can be detrimental to those trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Therefore, it is essential to check the ingredients and nutritional information on the package before purchasing granola, as it might lead to calorie gain rather than loss.
Juice made from green vegetables
Green vegetable juice is regarded as one of the healthiest drinks available. It’s undeniable that green vegetables are loaded with nutrients, but people often add fruits to their green veggie juice to make it taste sweeter. Unfortunately, these fruits contain sugar and may increase your calorie intake instead of helping you burn calories. Therefore, if you want a healthy drink, opt for pure vegetable juice without any fruit added.
Whole Grain Bread
Individuals aiming to lose weight often opt for whole wheat bread instead of plain bread, as it’s commonly believed to be healthier. Nevertheless, this isn’t necessarily true. Many whole wheat breads include ingredients like sugar, molasses, and corn syrup, which can derail your entire fitness regimen. If you wish to include bread in your diet, choose sprouted bread since it doesn’t contain a high amount of sugar.
Soup in a can
If it’s canned, it’s likely highly processed, and processed foods are loaded with sugar and other unhealthy components. Many canned soup brands promote their products as excellent for a diet. However, that’s not true. These canned soups can actually sabotage days of workout and exercise. So
Whenever you purchase canned soup, remember to look at the ingredients. You might be surprised by what you discover.
Bars with protein content
Many people mistake health foods for muscle-building foods. Protein bars are a prime example of foods that are often considered healthy but aren’t necessarily so. A professional nutritionist might include certain foods in your diet plan, but those foods serve a completely different purpose than you might expect. For instance, if a nutritionist adds protein bars to your diet, you might assume they are healthy, whereas the nutritionist’s intention might be to help build muscle. This implies that you shouldn’t consume protein bars all day under the assumption that they’re healthy. Many protein bars are loaded with sugar and can contribute a significant number of calories to your body. Thus, when you eat a protein bar, you’re not just getting protein but also extra calories that you don’t need.
Yogurt with flavoring
Flavored yogurt can be just as unhealthy as ice cream. It contains a large amount of sugar, undermining weeks of exercise. You may have noticed individuals on a diet eating a lot of yogurt under the impression that it aids weight loss. However, this is not true. In fact, flavored yogurt can have the opposite effect. Besides the sugar, the artificial flavors and colors can also negatively impact your health.
Dehydrated Fruits
When beginning a diet, many people might advise you to carry a jar of dried fruits. The belief is that dried fruits are nutritious and can satisfy your hunger, preventing cravings for high-calorie foods. However, the issue is that many dried fruits available in the market today are processed and have an added layer of sugar coating. Sugar is something you should avoid when aiming to stay fit and healthy, so it is best to steer clear of such dried fruits.
Food that has been preserved by freezing
In the last ten years or so, the popularity of healthy frozen meals has grown. Yet, these frozen products aren’t as nutritious as they seem. Salt and sugar are included in these meals to enhance their taste. They are simple to prepare and convenient for long trips, but that’s their only benefit. They don’t provide any health advantages.
Eleven fruit snacks
People globally enjoy snack foods. If you’re aiming to lose weight, you might believe that these fruit snacks offer a healthy snacking option. However, they aren’t as healthy as you might assume. They lack the nutrients you’d get from real fruit. They are high in calories and should be avoided.
12. Salads from Fast Food Chains
The days are over when fast food only meant burgers, fries, and milkshakes. Nowadays, fast food restaurants offer a diverse range of menu items. Often, you can find salads on their menu as well. By doing this, fast food companies aim to attract customers who typically wouldn’t consider dining at a fast food restaurant. Now, when ordering fast food, you can get burgers for everyone and a salad for your health-conscious friend. Your friend might claim they are eating something healthier compared to others having burgers, but the truth is quite different. The salads listed on fast food menus are called salads, but the ingredients used to make them are similar to those in their burgers. These salads are very unhealthy and add a significant number of calories to your body. They are just as dangerous, if not more so, than other fast food items on the menu. So, just because it has the word “salad” doesn’t mean it is healthy.
13. Alternative Sweeteners
Nowadays, there are various sugar substitutes available in the market. The companies selling these substitutes often present them as healthy options, but this is simply a marketing tactic. These substitutes are essentially artificial sweeteners. Although they may be free of calories, they can increase your craving for sugar, leading to a higher overall sugar intake through other means like sweets and cakes. Using such sugar substitutes might increase your sugar cravings, thereby raising your risk of developing diabetes.
Fourteen, Baked Beans
If you’re aiming to maintain fitness and health, you should steer clear of baked beans. Many people mistakenly think baked beans are beneficial for health. These beans are often processed, and if they’re from cans, it’s best to avoid them when trying to lose weight. Such foods can contribute to weight gain. Beans on their own are healthy, but it’s the canned baked versions you should avoid.
15. Milk made from almonds
Just as dried fruits are often regarded as healthy, almond milk and other non-dairy milk options are also seen as healthy choices. Almond milk is generally healthier than its dairy alternatives, but with numerous options available on the market, it can be difficult to determine which product is beneficial and which is not. When purchasing almond milk, remember to read the ingredients and nutritional information. Some of these milks contain artificial flavors that significantly increase the sugar content. Therefore, if you’re aiming for a healthy lifestyle, you should avoid non-dairy milks that contain high amounts of sugar.
Fish Tacos – 16.
Fish is often a staple in the diet plans of those aiming to lose weight. It is considered a healthy alternative to beef and other meats, though fish might not be as beneficial and healthy as people generally believe. The healthiness of fish can vary depending on the type. For instance, some people eat fish tacos assuming they are healthy simply because they contain fish. However, that assumption can be misleading. Fish tacos typically use Tilapia, which is not regarded as a healthy fish, and it may contribute to weight gain rather than weight loss. Furthermore, if the fish is marinated, fried, or processed, it can significantly increase the fat content of your meal.
Granola Bars
We’ve already discussed how granola is often seen as healthy but actually isn’t, and the same applies to granola bars. Many granola bars available in supermarkets nowadays contain a high amount of sugar, which isn’t healthy. While there’s no denying that these granola bars are nutritious and can aid in muscle strengthening, they aren’t ideal if you’re trying to lose weight. You might get a decent amount of protein from them, but the sugar content only exacerbates the situation.
Energy Beverages
If you belong to a gym, you’ll likely observe that people often bring water bottles, shakes, and energy drinks while exercising. It’s ironic to exercise and undermine it at the same time. These energy drinks contain high amounts of sugar and can significantly increase your calorie intake. To feel energized naturally, ensure you get 7 to 8 hours of sleep before your workout session. It’s best to steer clear of these unhealthy energy drinks, as they can harm your fitness progress.
19. Salmon Prepared
Salmon is considered one of the healthiest foods available when it comes to a nutritious diet. The problem often lies in how it is served, as people tend to marinate it with unhealthy sauces or pair it with less healthy items, undermining the overall healthy eating experience. To maintain a healthy diet, it is advisable to avoid marinades and additives that compromise the salmon’s health benefits.
Bran Muffins at 20.
Having the word ‘bran’ in a food item’s name does not automatically make it healthy. Many people on a diet consume bran muffins to satisfy their sweet cravings. However, a bran muffin might not be as healthy as you think. They contain a lot of sugar and calories and should be avoided if you aim to maintain good health. Like bran muffins, many other bran-labeled foods seem healthy but are not.
21. Vegetable Straws
Veggie sticks contain salt, oil, and vegetable coloring. Although any food with artificial coloring and flavoring is likely to be unhealthy, people often mistakenly consider veggie sticks healthy because they are made from vegetables, but this isn’t true. Not only do veggie sticks have unhealthy ingredients, they also lack fiber.
22. Mixed Fruit
Fruits are nutritious, but one bowl of fruit each day is sufficient for your diet. Always consume fruit in its natural state, without adding any extra ingredients. Fruit cocktails might taste great, but they are unhealthy, primarily because of the sugary syrup added to them.
Banana Loaf
Including a banana in your diet is quite beneficial. Although bananas are nutritious, when making banana bread, other ingredients such as sugar, flour, and butter are incorporated. Thus, choosing banana bread over plain bread won’t provide any health advantages. In fact, it will contribute additional carbohydrates to your diet.
24. Salsa with Fruit
Like fruit cocktails, sweet syrup is also added to fruit salsas. Fruit salsas usually have a spicy flavor, and to complement this spiciness, sweet syrup is added. This helps balance the flavors and makes the dish more enjoyable and palatable for individuals who do not favor spicy food. However, this significantly increases the sugar content, which is why fruit salsa cannot be labeled as a health food.
Diet soft drink
Have you ever noticed someone on a diet choosing a diet soda over a regular one, thinking it’s a healthier option? Many do this because they don’t realize that diet sodas are marketed to attract those who might otherwise avoid them. While diet sodas do contain less sugar than regular ones, they still have a significant amount of sugar and can be risky for individuals with diabetes. Therefore, if you want to lose weight and maintain good health, you should avoid both regular and diet sodas.
Spinach and Artichoke Spread
As children, we all watched Popeye take out spinach from a can and instantly gain strength. While spinach is indeed a superfood, having two vegetables in a dish doesn’t necessarily mean it will possess the same benefits as those vegetables alone. The additional ingredients in spinach and artichoke dip can ruin weeks of your exercise efforts. Consuming spinach and artichoke by themselves can be highly beneficial, but it’s best to avoid these dips.
27. Omelets Made with Egg Whites
The most optimal way to eat an egg is by using both the yolk and the egg white in one dish, maintaining a balance between the two. Many opt for egg white omelets, believing they are consuming the low-fat portion of the egg. While this is partially correct, the yolk is more nutrient-rich. To fully benefit from an egg’s nutrition, it’s advisable to include some yolk in your omelet as well.
28. Cereals Made From Whole Grains
Whole grain cereals are considered the ultimate healthy breakfast. Even a professional nutritionist might suggest beginning your day with a nutritious bowl of whole grain cereal. However, the issue is that there are numerous brands selling whole grain cereal, and not all are as wholesome as they claim. Therefore, always examine the nutritional information on the back of the cereal box. Some of these whole grain cereals contain a high amount of sugar.
29. Energy Beverages
Sports drinks contain not only a lot of sugar but also artificial colors, which exacerbates their drawbacks. It’s best to avoid any food or drink with artificial flavors or colors. These beverages are advertised as products that will boost your energy when you’re exhausted. You might even see athletes in their commercials, encouraging the belief that these drinks are healthy. However, that’s not true. While they may help you stay hydrated and energized, they shouldn’t be included as a regular part of your diet plan.
30. Reduced-Fat Peanut Butter
If you can make peanut butter at home, it’s best to avoid all store-bought peanut butter products, even those claiming to be low in sugar and healthy. These products might contain less sugar than other brands but still have high sugar content. Homemade natural peanut butter is healthier since it doesn’t contain large amounts of sugar. You can regulate the sugar in your peanut butter, but it’s best to make it without any sugar at all.
31. Flatbread Chips
If you believe that pita chips are healthier than other types of chips, you might be surprised. While potato chips typically only have salt added, pita chips contain flour, sugar, butter, and other ingredients. They are often consumed with a dip that is also high in calories.
Margarine.
Many individuals beginning a diet often switch from butter to margarine, believing it to be the healthier choice. However, this is not true. Margarine can actually be harmful. Consuming margarine may raise your cholesterol levels, thereby heightening the risk of heart problems. Advertisements, which depict margarine as a healthier substitute for butter, are responsible for this misleading image.
33. Vegetable Pizza
Without a doubt, pizza is one of the tastiest foods globally, but it also ranks among the unhealthiest. When pizza enthusiasts decide to diet, they often opt for veggie pizza, believing it’s a healthier choice. However, this is just another tactic used by pizza chains. Veggie pizzas use the same dough base, sauce, and ingredients as other pizzas on the menu. Simply adding vegetables on top does not eliminate the downsides of cheese, fat, and other unhealthy components.
34. Low-Fat Milk
Skim milk is often seen as a healthier choice over other milk types. However, this perception is incorrect. Research indicates that full-fat dairy milk is healthier than skim milk. The study also suggests that those who consume full-fat dairy milk have a lower risk of diabetes. If your goal is to maintain health and fitness, full-fat dairy milk is the better option. Therefore, to support your health, opt for alternatives other than the tasteless skim milk available on the market.
Thirty-five organic snacks
Organic foods are often thought to be inherently healthier than non-organic options. While this is generally true, there are some organic foods that contain the same amount of sugar and calories as their non-organic equivalents. In these cases, consuming organic foods offers no additional health benefits, as they have the same impact on your body as non-organic foods high in sugar and calories. Therefore, before you indulge in organic snacks assuming they contribute to your health, it’s wise to first research the calorie and sugar content of these organic products.
Thirty-six veggie burgers.
The argument for veggie burgers is similar to that for veggie pizzas. Simply adding vegetables to an otherwise unhealthy recipe doesn’t automatically make it a healthy food. Veggie burgers can be high in calories and fat, potentially undermining weeks of your workout efforts and leaving you feeling bloated. They are not particularly beneficial for your health and can be just as detrimental to your diet plan as any other burger without vegetables.
37. Soy Beverage
Soy milk is well-known for its health benefits. Numerous people worldwide believe soy milk is a healthier alternative to dairy milk. Although it offers some advantages to your body, these benefits aren’t sufficient to classify it as a health food. Some individuals may be sensitive to soy, and consuming soy milk could result in hormonal issues for them. Additionally, it contains a high amount of sugar, so it should be avoided if you’re aiming to be fit and healthy.
38. Snacks Low in Carbohydrates
As you might have noticed, many food items on this list are labeled as healthy, but they actually aren’t. This means you shouldn’t simply trust any label you see on the packaging. It’s always better to check the nutritional information on the back of the product. There are many products in the market that are sold with a low-carb label. Some of these products may indeed have low carbs, but that doesn’t mean they are healthy. Low carb does not always equate to healthy. So if a restaurant offers a burger or pizza claiming it’s low carb, you shouldn’t be excited about it. It may have fewer carbs compared to other menu options, but it could still be unhealthy.
Protein Shakes:
Protein shakes can keep you energized and are a beneficial drink to consume when working out to build muscle. However, if your goal is to lose weight, you should avoid protein shakes. They often contain high amounts of sugar, making weight loss challenging if included in your daily diet. There are sugar-free options available in the market, but they also contain artificial sweeteners, which are not good for your health.
Forty: Vegetable Oil
Vegetable oil is a major contributor to high cholesterol and heart issues, which is why people often steer clear of foods fried in oil. Being derived from vegetables does not automatically make it healthy. These oils are highly processed, and regularly eating foods fried in vegetable oil can be very harmful to your health.
41. Oven-Baked Chips
People around the globe enjoy eating chips, but since chips are often deep-fried, health-conscious individuals tend to avoid them. They opt for the baked variety, believing it to be a healthier choice than deep-fried chips. While baked chips may lack the drawbacks found in fried chips, they aren’t as healthy as one might think. They contain less fat but a high level of sodium. Excessive sodium intake can lead to high blood pressure and other heart-related health issues.
42. Oatmeal with Flavor
Oats are very nutritious. Nonetheless, when foods like these become popular, numerous companies launch their own versions, which might not be as nutritious as the original. This also applies to oatmeal. Many oatmeal products available in supermarkets today are sugary and unhealthy. Therefore, if you aim to lose weight and stay fit, you should choose oatmeal products that are known to be healthy and low in sugar.
Coconut water
Coconut water is beneficial if it helps you avoid soda and other energy drinks. Nonetheless, it’s best to restrict consumption to once every week or two. For hydration, the best choice is water. Plain water can greatly benefit your body and skin. Coconut water contains sugar, so drinking it daily could negatively impact your fitness regimen.
Forty-four. Vegetable Chips
When you think of the words “veggie” or “vegetables,” you immediately think of healthy food. However, not all foods containing vegetables are healthy. The method of cooking affects the nutritional value of food, and this is also true for vegetables. Veggie chips are deep-fried, and if you’re considering staying healthy, you should steer clear of fried foods entirely.
The number 45. Wraps.
Wraps are usually healthier compared to some other dishes you might see in restaurants. However, they don’t qualify as health food by any means. Wraps resemble salads because fast food restaurants have begun offering them to appeal to those seeking healthier options, but in reality, they aren’t as nutritious as one might think. They contain fewer calories, but not so few as to be classified as health food.
Frozen Yogurt Item 46
Simply because a product is advertised as healthy doesn’t necessarily mean it is. Frozen yogurt is a perfect example of this type of food. When frozen yogurt first hit the market, it was promoted as a healthier choice compared to ice cream, but that’s far from the reality. Flavored yogurt can contain the same amount, or even more, sugar and fat than certain ice creams available in stores.
Acai Bowls, Number 47
Acai bowls are often considered one of the most popular health foods, but are they truly healthy? In reality, acai bowls contain high amounts of sugar and are packed with calories. Some even include frozen yogurt, which is quite high in fat. Therefore, if you’re aiming to lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle, it’s best to avoid acai bowls.
48. Popcorn Suitable for Microwave Use
Popcorn is one of the most popular snacks available. It’s delicious and perfect for a Netflix and chill session. However, it’s not healthy. Although popcorn is low in calories, there’s a wide variety of options in supermarkets today. These come in different flavors, each adding a certain amount of sugar, butter, and other ingredients, which detract from the benefits of its low-calorie nature.
49. Iced Tea with Flavor
If you’re aiming to reduce belly fat, the best approach is to drink plain iced tea with a squeeze of lemon. Dieters often choose flavored iced tea, mistakenly believing it offers the same health benefits. However, these flavored iced teas are high in sugar and consuming them regularly can increase the risk of diabetes.
Fifty Turkey Burgers
If you’re aiming to eat healthily, you might opt for a turkey burger over other types of meat. However, turkey burgers may not be as healthy as you think. Turkey meat can contain as much fat as beef. The cooking method also impacts the nutritional value of the turkey burger patties. Restaurants often add salt and other ingredients to keep the patties fresh, which can increase your calorie intake. This is why turkey burgers might not be suitable for your diet plan if you’re trying to lose weight.
