You might be surprised to find out foods you thought were "healthy" really are not so much! Your family might have been better off eating chips, ice cream, or a big piece of chocolate cake. Consumers are bombarded everyday with "tricky" foods. Just because a box says that it is "Fat-free" or "sugar-free" does not mean it is good for you. Reading those words on a box can deceive us into thinking that we can eat away totally guilt-free. Take time to read the label. Save your family from unwanted calories, fat, and possible side effects from food additives like MSG.
INGREDIENTS TO AVOID:
High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS)
Mono/Polyunsaturated or saturated fat
Sugar
Fruit sugar
Partially/Hydrogenated
Modified
MSG (These may contain MSG when found in an ingredient label: Caramel Spice, Citric Acid, Whey, Whey Protein, Whey Protein Isolate, Concentrate Gums, Pectin, Yeast, Nutrients, Milk Powder, Dry Milk Solids, Low or No Fat Foods, Malt Extract or Flavoring)
There are many "unhealthy" health foods. Stay clear of them or eat in moderation. Breaking the myth of "unhealthy" health food is the first step to making good food choices for your family.
"UNHEALTHY " HEALTH FOODS:
~ Granola can be high in fiber and contain whole oats but if you noticed lately it is chunky because it is fused together with HFCS or honey. These ingredients will raise your blood sugar quickly, leaving you hungry and feeling sluggish later on. Perhaps try finding a yummy flavored rice cake alternative. Be sure to read the labels and watch for fat calories and serving sizes. Not all rice cakes are equal.
~ Fruit Smoothie sounds healthy and yummy but watch out for hidden calories! On average a store bought smoothie will run around 600 calories with 120g of sugar. Tastes so good because a bunch of sugar was added. Invest in a juicer and be in control of what goes into your smoothie. Pick out your favorite fresh fruits, add a little plain low fat yogurt, and ice.
~ Yogurt with fruit on the bottom is healthy, right? Tastes so creamy and yummy. It's dosed with HFCS from highly processed fruit. Start your day and be smart. Save calories and money.
Buy a large container of low fat plain yogurt and keep fresh fruits on hand. Mix it together and you are talking a lot less sugar and calories.
~ Eat your bran, it's so good for you. Avoid those over-sized bran muffins. They are chocked full of sugary calories. Portions are out of whack too! Eating one is like eating three normal sized bran muffins. Try making your own bran muffins. Make up ahead of time and freeze for later.
~ Soda, whether diet or regular should be avoided altogether. Studies show that both can make your pancreas go into high speed, raising your insulin level making you gain weight. Purdue completed a study on artificial sweeteners that showed test animals gained weight instead of loosing it, while consuming the artificial sweeteners.
Always take the time to read and compare food labels. Fall back on fresh organic fruit as a quick snack for your family. Take time to divide up pre-cut fresh organic veggies for a quick snack during the hectic week. Filter your own water. Have handy re-usable water bottles available. Thinking ahead can really help everyone to make better food choices throughout the rushed week. Which will eliminate falling prey to those "unhealthy" health foods.