Many people reach for foods marketed as “healthy” without realising they might not be the best choices for their goals. You might be surprised to learn that some of these common “healthy” options could be doing more harm than good. Let’s dive into seven foods that registered dieticians suggest you may want to skip.
Low-Fat Cheese
If you’ve been opting for low-fat cheese thinking it’s healthier, you may want to reconsider. The fat in full-fat dairy helps your body absorb important nutrients like vitamins A and D. Additionally, fat plays a crucial role in stabilising blood sugar, keeping you feeling full and energised. Jessica Beacom, R.D.N., co-founder of The Real Food Dieticians, advises that low-fat cheeses often have a drier texture and less flavour than their full-fat counterparts. If you’re concerned about fat intake, consider using a smaller amount of a flavourful cheese, like extra sharp cheddar, instead.
Margarine
Margarine might seem like a better alternative to butter, but it’s not necessarily healthier. While it does have less saturated fat than butter, it is still a processed product with a long list of ingredients. Butter, on the other hand, is more natural and contains fat that can be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, olive oil or avocado oil are excellent substitutes that are rich in heart-healthy fats.
Plant-Based Energy Drinks
Just because an energy drink is labelled as “plant-based” doesn’t mean it’s good for you. These drinks often contain added sugars, caffeine, and unregulated herbal ingredients that may not offer any real health benefits. Nutrition expert Samantha Cassetty, M.S., R.D., suggests sticking to natural sources of caffeine like coffee or tea, which provide antioxidants along with a more balanced energy boost.
Fake Meat Products
Going meatless for health or environmental reasons is commendable, but not all meat substitutes are created equal. Many fake meat products are heavily processed and high in sodium. Additionally, they often use soy protein isolate, which lacks some of the nutritional benefits found in whole soy. Cassetty recommends making your own plant-based burgers using whole foods like beans and vegetables or choosing products with pea protein instead of highly processed soy.
“Light” and Sugar-Free Desserts
Sugar-free desserts might seem like a smart choice, but they can backfire. When sugar is removed, fat or sugar substitutes are often added, which can lead to digestive issues and might not help with weight management as intended. Instead of opting for sugar-free treats, try satisfying your sweet tooth with naturally sweet foods like fruit, which also provide essential nutrients.
Fat-Free Bottled Salad Dressing
Fat-free salad dressings often contain added sugars or other ingredients to replace the fat, which can make them less healthy overall. Fat is important for absorbing vitamins and enhancing the flavour of your salad. Instead of fat-free dressings, consider making your own with olive oil or avocado oil, which are rich in heart-healthy fats.
Granola Bars
While granola bars seem like a healthy snack, many are packed with sugar and offer little protein, which can cause blood sugar spikes. Cassetty suggests opting for whole fruits and nuts instead, or choosing granola bars with minimal added sugars and ingredients derived from whole foods.
In summary, while these foods might seem like healthy options, they often don’t deliver the benefits you’re expecting. Instead, focusing on whole, minimally processed foods can provide more nutrition and satisfaction.
