7 foods nutritionists want you to stop thinking of as “healthy”
We all want to lead healthy lives, but with so much misleading information and clever marketing out there, it can be incredibly difficult to make the right choices when it comes to food. Previously, we’ve taken a look at some of the foods that aren’t as healthy as we’re made to believe, but it turns out we barely scratched the surface. Here are seven more foods you should rethink throwing in the trolley.
1. Granola
It breaks our hearts to say it, but those golden clusters of crunchy goodness aren’t doing you any favours in the health department. “People think of granola as healthy because they think whole grain, but the problem with granola is that it tends to also have a lot of sugar and its often cooked with oil or butter and some kind of fat,” nutritionist Jennifer Schonborn tells Mashable.
2. Low-fat frozen desserts
That Skinny Cow ice cream sandwich might seem like the healthier alternative to a Maxibon, and it is, but not by much. Low-fat frozen desserts are filled with sugar and preservatives, making them not so healthy after all. If you’re desperate for a sweet treat after dinner, mix some fresh or frozen berries in with 100g of plain Greek yoghurt instead.
3. Flavoured yoghurt
Speaking of yoghurt, you’ve probably seen the huge range of flavoured Greek yogurts at your local supermarket, but don’t be tempted. You’re better off making your own flavours at home, as most of the products on offer add more than a few bits of peach or mango – usually, there’s a whole lot of extra sugar thrown in.
4. Chicken at restaurants
Sure, that roast chicken with veg on the menu is a lot less calorific than a gigantic parmigiana with a side of chips, but if you thought you were making a healthy choice, think again. All the seasoning, butter, oil, cream that you might not typically use when cooking chicken at home get used liberally in restaurant kitchens. You’re better off with some grilled fish or a salad.
5. Flavoured water
A popular alternative to soft drinks, many people fail to realise just how much sugar is really in flavoured water. What’s so wrong about the taste of plain tap or spring water? If you really need an extra flavour boost, add a slice of lemon or lime.
6. Low-fat peanut butter
The days of fat being the villain are over. Peanut butter is packed with healthy unsaturated fats, essential for maintaining healthy cholesterol levels and reducing heart disease risk. When the fat is taken out, it’s generally replaced with sugar to maintain the flavour, so it winds up being worse than the full-fat product.
7. Multigrain
This is the clever trick advertisers use to convince you their product is healthy – and most of the time, it works. However, “multigrain” simply means there are two or more grains present – it doesn’t necessarily equate to “wholegrain”, which is what you should be on the lookout for. Some “multigrain” breads may contain highly refined flours, which have been stripped of their nutrients.