DOLCE LIFESTYLE:
Top 5 Unhealthy Health Foods
by Samantha Coogan, MS, RDN, LD
1. Reduced Fat Peanut Butter
Usually “reduced fat” means added sugar, chemicals and/or calories. We need a good dose of healthy fats, so go with all-natural peanut or almond butter.
2. Sports/Electrolyte Drinks
Most of these drinks are manufactured by soda companies, AND most of these drinks have the same amount of sugar per serving as a can of cola. A better alternative is coconut water.
3. Frozen/Pre-Made Veggie Burgers
These are usually filled with preservatives and the primary component is soy, not vegetables. Soy is one of the most genetically modified foods out there. Opt to make your own instead out of legumes and beans to get some protein out of it.
4. Light Yogurt
These are usually filled with added sugar, and have very little protein. When choosing yogurt, go for Greek yogurt. The protein quality is much higher and there is far less sugar in Greek yogurt compared to regular yogurt.
5. Energy/Protein Bars
These, again, are just another source of added sugar. To keep these shelf-stable, additives and preservatives must be used. The main protein source is usually a soy protein isolate anyway, so why not get your protein from real, whole-food sources, such as, nuts, seeds and meats?
