5 “healthy” foods that aren’t actually good for you

Making the healthy choice can be hard sometimes. You want to choose to eat healthy but packaging can be deceiving. It’s frustrating to find out that your favourite snack doesn’t actually have the benefits that you thought it did. Eating right isn’t always so easy when there’s tons of sugary trans-fats loaded foods masquerading as health foods. Here’s a few to avoid:

1. Nutella

Why: Rule of thumb: If it looks and tastes like liquefied chocolate, it’s probably not healthy for you. The saturated trans fats and processed sugar overrides any benefits that could come from hazelnuts.

2. Whole wheat bread

Why: If the packaging is using buzzwords like “multi-grain”, “twelve grain” or “wheat”, look a little closer to make sure you’re getting the real deal. What you want is 100 percent whole grains. If any of the grains listed are bleached or refined, you won’t get the full benefits. You may want to look for a better loaf.

3. Smoothies

Why: This may seem like a fool-proof healthy option. Smoothies are often a great way to consume fruits and vegetables and stay hydrated. But if you’re drinking that fruity beverage, either make it yourself or buy it from a place that uses the best ingredients. Many smoothies contain fruit juices that are essentially artificially-flavoured sugar waters. Especially steer clear of any place that is using ice cream or sherbet as a base and if you’re adding protein powder, check the label and make sure it’s a quality product.

4. Muffins

Why: So you opt for a muffin at the coffee shop instead of a brownie or cookie. Even though you may think you’ve made a healthy choice, that’s not necessarily true. Muffins often are loaded with extra sugars, calories, refined grains and unhealthy fats. Fruit-filled or bran muffins are especially tricky because oftentimes, there’s a very small portion of the good stuff compared to the ingredients that do no good for your body.

5. Yogurt-covered raisins/ granola bars

Why: The yogurt layer that you see on the outside of raisins or your granola bar is not the same product as the cup of yogurt you eat for breakfast. It’s actually a sugary mixture made with powdered milk products and often includes oil filled with trans fats.