12 Not So Healthy Foods You Might Be Eating (and what to eat instead)

Are you on the right track with diet and fitness? What if some of the foods you’ve always believed in may not be so healthy for you? It is confusing to know what to eat and avoid as diet market he once said that eggs were so bad because of high cholesterol.

Now, they are considered one of the best breakfast foods for their protein content. Low-carb dieters praise eggs. It gives hope to the potato, which is currently being shunned for its high levels of starch. Yes, if you want to eat the right foods, even something that nature offers is not always the best option.

12 foods that may not be so healthy

Could it be that you have been doing your healthy eating wrong? Could you be eating foods or portions that gain weight instead of losing it? Fortunately, some foods can improve your health and boost immunity, but you need to know the facts. Here are 12 foods to avoid in your diet.

1. I am Products

For years, soybeans have been a favorite of American agriculture. An article published by the Union of interested scientists states that the United States is the world’s leading soybean producer. It’s no wonder you find it in many “health” food aisles, as soy milk and soy protein are used to replace meat.

Is this not-so-healthy food also the main ingredient in many baby formulas on the market? Well, soy isn’t full of protein and is it good for you? The answer, says research published by Environmental health project, is highly debatable.

One of the most important concerns is the isoflavones that are present in soybeans. The study explains that these are plant hormones similar to human estrogen and can cause imbalances in the endocrine system. Also, some people are allergic to soy products, which can cause significant digestive health problems.

2. Margarine

Before you spread some margarine on your morning toast, you may consider that it is not the healthiest butter alternative. While it does not have saturated fats like dairy butter, many are loaded with trans fats. the American Heart Association states that trans fats (partially hydrogenated oils) are linked to heart disease, stroke, an increase in bad cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes.

Instead, why not enjoy the real thing in moderation? Another report from American Heart Association recommends that you consume no more than eight percent of your calories from saturated fat like butter. They also suggest that you try unsaturated fats like avocado and olive oil.

3. Fruit juice

According to the USDA recommended guidelines, you should enjoy 1 to 2 servings of fruit per day, depending on your activity level. Each serving equals 8 ounces of fresh fruit, pureed or in the form of fruit juice. On a closer look, the juice option may not be healthy.

The concern with drinking fruit juice is consuming too much fructose, the natural sugar found in fruit. A report published by the American College of Cardiology states that foods sweetened with fructose can be harmful to your health. Research found that it is primarily metabolized in the liver and can contribute to cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and stroke.

4. Microwave popcorn

What would a movie night be without a tempting bowl of buttered popcorn? Traditionally prepared popcorn is a healthy snack that can feel good to eat. How it is prepared and how it is seasoned makes a difference whether it is good for you or not.

For centuries, people heated popcorn kernels over fire or in hot oil to make them pop. The modern hot air popcorn machine made popcorn a little faster and without the fattening oil. In the name of convenience, microwave popcorn has appeared on the scene, and experts warn that it’s not that healthy for you.

It’s not the popcorn itself, but the microwave bag. These seemingly innocent bags are lined with a chemical PFOA, which is used to make non-stick coatings. It is one of several chemicals that can be dangerous to health.

The best thing to do is to pop the popcorn in a little oil or use a hot air popcorn machine and be careful with the salt.

5. Shrimp

If you are a fan of seafood, shrimp may be your favorite seafood. These meaty crustaceans are a must-have for stellar seafood dishes around the world. Think garlic shrimp, cooked shrimp, fried shrimp, and butterfly style fresh off the barbecue.

Once you learn a little more about these plump shellfish, you may find that they are not that healthy to consume. According to an article published by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, shrimp are bottom-dwelling scavengers and feed on dead things and parasites. Also, some of them from abroad are treated with dangerous hormones and antibiotics.

6. Table salt

For thousands of years, salt has been admired for its healing and culinary properties. Some of the earliest human records of salt extraction are from central China c. 1000 BC C. Today, it remains an integral part of human health and culture.

However, not all salts are the same. The salt shaker on your table may not be so healthy for you. Regular table salt goes through a bleaching process that can minimize its valuable mineral content, states an article published by the American Heart Association. Instead, consider using sea or kosher salt.

7. Industrial farm meat

Did you grow up with the classic steak and potato dinners? Animal meat and plant sources provide essential proteins your body needs to be healthy. Do you know where your meat products come from and what animals consume?

A surprising report from The Pew Charitable Trust Foundation says that approximately 29.9 million pounds of antibiotics were sold for animal feed production in 2011. The same report also found that approximately 2 million people are infected by resistant bacteria each year.

Better to eat locally sourced meat and know how the animals are treated and what they eat.

8. Artificial sweeteners

It stands to reason that eating so-called sugar-free foods would be a healthier option than foods loaded with sugar. You can find artificial sweeteners in almost any “health” food you see. Replacing natural sugar with chemical sweeteners may not be as healthy.

According to a study published by the Journal of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, the link between artificial sweeteners and weight gain, cancer, and other health hazards is compelling. Your best options may be natural sweeteners like honey, stevia, or pure maple syrup.

9. Vegetable oils

For the same reason that margarine is unhealthy, you might also consider avoiding vegetable oils. Did you know that the trans fats that make up most vegetable oils can cause autoimmune disorders, insulin resistance, cancer, and type 2 diabetes? Less toxic oils include canola, olive oil, or safflower.

10. Sugar alcohols

Just because something is labeled “low sugar” or “sugar free” does not necessarily mean that it is good for you. Many of these foods contain sugar alcohols that are derived from genetically modified corn. You will see them on the nutrition label as xylitol, sorbitol, erythritol, and many others that usually end with “tol.”

Sugar alcohols they generally have fewer calories and carbohydrates than sugar. However, they can cause gastrointestinal upset, especially bloating and diarrhea. If you are craving something sweet, you may consider eating a smaller serving of the regular version in moderation.

11. Canned green beans

How could you go wrong with a nutritious serving of green beans? These green beans are not only delicious and inexpensive, but they are packed with vitamins and minerals. However, canned varieties tend to be higher in sodium.

There are also concerns about the levels of BPA found in some canned green beans, says research from Consumer Reports. If you want the convenience of canned green beans, the article suggests buying organic, BPA free, and low in sodium.

12. Skim or low-fat milk

If you pay attention to conventional wisdom, you will probably buy skim or low-fat milk instead of the whole version. Your reasoning may be that consuming less fat will be better for your waistline. However, low-fat and fat-free milk is not as healthy as you think.

In March 2020, the Magazine of Advances in Nutrition questioned the health benefits of low-fat dairy in a published report. The researchers conclude that there is no evidence to suggest that low-fat dairy is healthier than whole fat. Additionally, the report says that whole dairy products can be consumed in moderation as part of a healthy diet plan.

Final thoughts on these twelve not-so-healthy foods

There is no question that eating a healthy diet with lean protein, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beneficial fats is good for you. However, there are some foods that you thought were perfect that you might consider avoiding. For more information, ask a registered dietitian about a healthy eating plan tailored to your needs.