Hey friends! Let’s start off this week with a post about living healthier, okay?! I have to admit… I have been eating quite terribly lately. But seriously… who doesn’t love Red Robin’s endless fries?? However, I know that I need to eat healthier and want to continue to educate myself about what I should and should not be eating.
There are so many foods out there that are labeled as “healthy.” Although a food is considered healthy, we need to keep in mind a couple things:
- Everything is good in moderation– Pay close attention to serving sizes and actually follow them
- Reading labels is everything. Don’t just assume that something is good for you. Turn the box over and read how much sugar, protein, fats are each in serving.
This being said, here is a list of healthy foods that make you fat and my advice on how to avoid it
Although packed with great nutrients and antioxidants, they are also high in fat content. A whole avocado can have about 350 calories.
Tip: Stick to the serving size of about one-fifth an avocado
Yes, we can get plenty of omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and fiber from nuts, but it can be all too easy to eat half a bag in no time.
Tip: Stick to the serving size of one-fourth a cup
3. Store-bought dried fruit
Fruit…healthy, right? Did you know that dried fruit packs up to eight times as much sugar as fresh fruit? One cup of grapes contains only 60 calories, versus one cup of raisins which has 460 calories!
Tip: Check to see if there are sugar-free options (fruit contains enough natural sugar!) OR dry the fruit yourself
Plain yogurt will definitely do your body good. However, when you buy products that contain over 15 grams of sugar per cup, you are doing more harm than good.
Tip: Buy plain yogurt and add honey to it–a natural sweetener!
When we eat out, we tend to think that a sandwich wrap is healthier than a regular sandwich. But, tortillas have more calories than bread alone and the large tortillas can have over 200 calories!
Tip: Try smaller tortillas that are whole grain, or order the wrap, without the tortilla so you still get the flavor!
6. Restaurant Salads
So you’re going out with your friends but order a salad because you want to stick to your healthy diet. But when you add at least 2 cups of cheese, croutons, nuts, and creamy dressing, you would have been better off with the pizza (which would have had less fat).
Tip: If you want a salad, skip the cheese and croutons, add more veggies, and try a low-fat option or balsamic and vinegar dressing
7. Granola Bars
You grab a granola bar and throw it in your bag as an easy pick-me-up throughout the day. What you might not be aware of is the fact that they are high in calories, sugar, and enriched grains. Where is the protein and fiber that your body actually needs? Not in these, that’s for sure.
Tip: Again read the labels, people! Make sure there are at least 5 grams of protein and/ or fiber. This will actually stave off your hunger until your next meal.
I cannot lie…I am a lover of cheese, myself. And it’s no lie that people in general just love their cheese. But did you know that a serving of cheese ( one ounce ) is equal to the size of 3 dice? Yep… I definitely eat way more than that if it is placed in front of me.
Tip: Know your serving sizes. Chances are, you do not have 3 dice just sitting in your pocket waiting for you to create the right serving of cheese. You can easily estimate it by using the tip of your thumb (I am watching you trying to cheat and use your whole thumb, friend).
9. Orange Juice
Yeah, this common drink does contain Vitamin C, but did you know that there is about the same amount of sugar in a 12 ounce glass of orange juice as there is in a can of Coke?! Holy crap, there is really no benefit to drinking this every morning with breakfast.
Tip: Just eat the real fruit or juice the oranges yourself!
10. Store-bought Muffins
This common breakfast treat is loaded with enriched grains and sugar…hardly the nutrition you need in the morning. When buying this pre-made food, you are also purchasing all the preservatives inside to keep them looking yummy on the shelf. ew. no thanks.
Tip: By simply making them at home, you can easily reduce all of these cons. If you are out and still need to eat something, go for a plain or whole grain bagel (yes, not as exciting, but your body will thank you).
Staying educated about what is good and bad for you is essential to stay healthy and keep your body running efficiently. I love learning about this topic and love it even more when I share it with you! Now start this week with some good choices and changes! (:
Disclaimer: This post is meant to be used solely for educational and added information on foods. I do not claim to be a health professional. If you have further questions or concerns, please contact your doctor.
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