Although we seem to be surrounded by fast food chains and unhealthy food wherever we go (and obesity levels are so high), there is also a growing group of people who are trying to live a healthier lifestyle.
The great thing about living a healthier lifestyle is that you don’t need to make huge and drastic changes ” they can be small ones that you incorporate into your life with ease ” such as drinking 2 litres of water, going for a daily walk, cutting out processed food and cooking your own healthy meals (as opposed to getting take aways).
However, even when we think we are choosing ‘healthy options’, we can often be purchasing goods that can really be classed as unhealthy foods.
Below is a list of 7 surprisingly unhealthy foods that many people mistake for being ‘healthy’.
Unhealthy Food #1: Vitamin Water
Vitamin Water is actually loaded with sugar ” it has 32g per 500ml bottle! A much better option is to make a big jug of green tea, chill in the fridge then add lemons and lime with lots of ice and you will have your own sugar free vitamin water! You could also use your imagination and add any combinations of fruit to chilled water, depending on your own taste.
Unhealthy Food #2: Muesli Bars
Most brands are loaded with sugar – the average bar contains around 13g of sugar! Its better to make your own so you know exactly what is in them – you might like to try THIS Honey & Oat Slice recipe.
Unhealthy Food #3: Flavoured Yoghurt
Many brands contain approximately 27g sugar per 170g tub. Instead of eating flavoured yoghurt, try using Greek yoghurt and add some berries or a bit of honey for some natural sweetness. Many low fat yoghurts also contain aspartame or other artificial sweeteners, which is a huge no-no if you’re trying to be healthy.
Unhealthy Food #4: Frozen Yoghurt
Normal yogurt contains live, active cultures that can help keep the bacteria in your digestive tract healthy. Frozen yogurt, however, is not just the same thing. The majority of frozen yogurt sold at supermarkets has been heat-processed, which kills the beneficial live cultures. If you need an ice cream fix, try freezing some bananas and then mixing in a food processor with a dollop of natural peanut butter ” tastes delicious!
Unhealthy Food #5: Muffins
Most muffins that you buy in a shop are very similar to cakes and can be high in sugar and fat. But the good news is that if you are a fan of the muffin, you can make a much healthier version at home. Here is a yummy and healthy banana and yoghurt muffin recipe to try.
Unhealthy Food #6: Fruit Juice
A great deal of shop bought fruit juice contains added sugar and many preservatives such as sorbates, benzoates and 330 citric acid. Plus people tend to over consume juices. If you love a fruit juice, you can always make your own fruit or vegetable blends which means you keep all the nutrients in the juice and don’t consume the extra added sugar and preservatives and if you add the whole fruit to smoothies you also intake the fibre too.
Unhealthy Food #7: Instant Oatmeal
Many of the instant oatmeal brands contain high amounts of added sugar and the flavoured varieties are even higher. To make a super fast and super tasty oatmeal which is all natural, just purchase whole oats, then microwave for a couple of minutes then add some berries and honey for a natural sweetness as an added extra.
