There are many foods in today’s supermarkets that aren’t as good for you as you might think. Before you bite, get the facts on some of these masters of disguise, but remember: all sorts of foods and drinks can fit into a healthy diet when you enjoy them responsibly and in moderation. Just make sure you’re reading labels and not being tricked into thinking the foods you’re eating are better for you than they really are.
Many people fall victim to the marketing spin that is placed upon ‘healthy alternative’ products: reduced fat, lower calorie or zero sugar doesn’t automatically mean healthy. With that in mind, 180 Degrees (nutritionists Poole) have debunked the ‘healthy’ food myths of some products that may be fooling you.
Yogurt + raisins = yogurt-covered raisins. These must be healthy, right? Wrong. While both raisins and yogurt are nutritious foods, this packaged snack is anything but. The ‘yogurt’ on the outside is far from the product that you know from the dairy aisle. Mostly sugar, oil, some dry milk and yogurt powder; the coating is made up of little that can be found in a real yoghurt! A single serving also contains about 130 calories.
Granola can be deceiving. Not all granola products deserve a bad reputation, but it is a food that you should view cautiously. On the surface, granola appears to be filled with the whole-grain goodness of oats. Yet what you don’t see is all the added fat and sugar that turns many of those healthful oats into granola. In bar form, the snack may have a reputation as the optimal snack for healthy eaters, but many are made with added chocolate and sugars.
Fruit juices and sugar are synonymic. The fruit has often been stripped of its fibre and is converted to sugar to hit your mouth. Unsurprisingly this has as an adverse effect on your blood sugar levels. But what could you drink instead? Vegetable juice! You can juice an apple with veggies to make the juice sweeter. Or, if you want more fruit, try a smoothie. With all of the fibre still intact, smoothies are a much better option.
Sushi is often revered as a light, tasty food. Fish has healthy omega-3 fatty acids and can be high in protein. Rice is a healthy grain. This has to be good… don’t let that alluring combination and the small rolls sway you into ordering all offerings on the menu. Some common dinners like shrimp tempura can come in at well over 500 calories—for one roll. (And who eats just one?)
Our (nutritionists Poole) suggest that you avoid ‘Americanised’ versions of sushi. These are often covered in sauces like spicy mayo, filled with cream cheese or fried. Instead, stick with sashimi or nigari. Though a better option still is to stick to the better fish varieties such as salmon, mackerel, and tuna!
Bottled salad dressings, even the light ones, are full of preservatives, hydrogenated fats, fillers and excess sodium. Ditch the bottle and make your own dressings by experimenting with good quality extra-virgin olive oil mixed with the vinegar of your choice, along with herbs, a squeeze of citrus or a bit of mustard and some salt and pepper.
Look out for the forthcoming blog when the (nutritionists Poole) at 180 Degrees, show you how to make your own alternatives to the above!
