Healthy Food Myths

We constantly get nagged by our parents, friends and anyone we see on social media to eat healthy food. And when you walk down the grocery store aisle, you see people taking ‘healthy’ food products off the shelves. However, are those food products really healthy? Just because it’s stated ‘low fat’, ‘all natural’, ‘low sugar’, or ‘organic’, doesn’t mean that it’s considered healthy. It’s crucial to look beyond the labels! 

See Also: 6 Surprising Ways You Could Incorporate Oats Into Your Meals

Here’s the bad news, those ‘healthy’ foods that you thought were healthy, let us tell you that unfortunately, they aren’t as healthy as you think they are. Some of the food products could have lots of added sugar, oil, additives etc. We at Hera Health have gathered 10 foods that you should think twice before eating regularly. Check them out!

1. Flavoured yoghurt

It’s okay to have flavoured yoghurt once in a while. However, if you’re eating it on a daily basis or even a few times a week, it’s best for you to go for plain or natural flavoured Greek yoghurt.

This is because first of all, flavoured yoghurt might not have the actual fruit in the products and of course, it’s usually packed with sugar! 

2. Trail mix

Trail mix can be a super healthy snack! But if you’re trying to be healthy, avoid buying trail mix that is coated with flavourings as they can be high in sodium and sugar.

Yes, we understand, they can be very delicious but aren’t good for long term health. A good healthy trail mix usually contains a mix of unsalted nuts, some dried fruits as well as some dark chocolate. What’s even better? You can build your own trail mix and make it healthier! 

3. Instant oatmeal

Instant oatmeal that you can get off the shelves of grocery stores normally contains lots of sugar and carbohydrates. Yup, the one which requires the least amount of time to prepare!

Although there is some instant oatmeal in the market that have ‘no sugar’, ‘no flavours’ labels stamped on them, it’s always wise to read the ingredient labels before purchasing them. To make the most of oatmeal, choose to make a healthy homemade bowl of oatmeal! 

Get the best oatmeal recipes here. 

4. Salad dressing

Store-bought salad dressings are usually filled with additional preservatives, additives, flavourings and sodium. Instead of getting those for your salad, why don’t you make your own healthy version? All you need is balsamic vinegar and some lemon juice!

5. Smoothies

Smoothies can be healthy if you want them to be. Smoothies that you get from the stores are packed with sugar and extra calories that you don’t need. Making your own smoothies at home is so much healthier! Avoid using fruit juice as the base as it contains lots of sugar, instead use unflavoured Greek yoghurt or almond milk. 

6. Fruit and veggie juices

Wondering why these juices are bad for you? They’re loaded with fructose corn syrup and refined sugars that will lead to sugar spikes. This is especially seen in packaged juices!

Apart from that, some store-bought juices have their nutrients such as fibre stripped off during production. If you’re trying to stay healthy, make your own fruit or veggie juices at home so you know what exactly you’re using. 

7. Veggie chips

You’re trying to stay healthy and so you buy veggie chips. But just because it’s called veggie chips, doesn’t make it healthy. Whether it’s fried or baked, some of their nutrients are being removed.

Besides, they’re also added with preservatives as well as lots of sodium and flavourings to make them taste better and look ‘healthy’. Better to eat them raw, or make your own baked veggie chips! 

8. High fibre cereals

Don’t be deceived when you see high fibre cereals on the shelves of grocery stores. It’s good to incorporate whole grains into your diet, however, please read the labels before putting them into your shopping cart. Some have added loads of sugar and preservatives, you don’t want that. 

9. Veggie burgers

Have you seen veggie burgers on the menu and thought “Oh, maybe I should go for something healthy instead”? While some veggie burgers might be healthier, some on the other hand especially commercial veggie burgers are made of highly processed soy and added preservatives.

Look for the ones that are made with whole foods instead such as whole grains, seeds and beans. What would be a better choice is if you made your own homemade veggie burger!

10. Pasta 

Love eating pasta? Oh yesss! However, eating too much pasta can be bad for you as they are high in carbohydrates especially if you are trying to maintain your weight. Opt for whole-wheat pasta or look for those high in protein and fibre.

When it comes to pasta sauces, commercial pasta sauces can contain ingredients that have lots of fat, salt and sugar that they become unhealthy for you. Instead, prepare your own pasta sauces at home which are much healthier! Add some fresh vegetables and ta-da – you made yourself an awesome healthy meal!