Foods that can be unhealthy

Emma Hassemer

There are a lot of foods that people grow up thinking are healthy, but in reality they aren’t. After learning what foods were unhealthy, finding healthier substitutions for them can be a challenge but good for you in the long run. Here are six foods you probably thought were healthy, but actually aren’t the best for your body.

1. Frozen diet entrees

The products seem like good options until nutritional facts come into play. These are very popular to eat because they are so easy to make, but these entrees lack many nutrients that your body needs. Also, while they are low in calories, these meals are loaded with sodium. To substitute frozen meals, try making a home cooked meal.

2. Energy/granola bar

Energy bars are popular as before or after workout snacks. When it comes down to the ingredients though, they are not that far away from a candy bar. People who buy energy bars often think they will give them energy fueled by the protein in the bar, but there are other ingredients in these bars that aren’t healthy for your body. Most energy bars are loaded with sugar and calories. A lot of granola bars also have tons of sugar in them because they contain frosting or chocolate. Instead of eating one of these, have a banana or an apple.

3. Frozen yogurt

Many people think that frozen yogurt is a way better and healthier option than ice cream, but they’re not that different. Frozen yogurt doesn’t contain as much saturated fats but when it comes to sugar, it’s not a big difference. Also, frozen yogurt is known for loading up on toppings. When you calculate that out, you might as well have be having that ice cream you intially craved.

4. Sushi

What could be so unhealthy about fresh fish? Well, according to The Biggest Loser nutritionist Rachel Beller, one of these rolls is equal to stuffing your mouth with two crab meat sandwiches. Instead, have sushi rolls with veggies and a cucumber wrap, just don’t go crazy on the rice.

5. Trail mix

Some people are usually under the assumption that having trail mix as a snack is healthy because of the nuts and the dry fruit. Although some trail mix mixes aren’t terrible for you, ones containing yogurt covered raisins, deep fried fruits and glazed or salty nuts are not healthy for your body. These mixes contain loads of carbs. Instead of going out and buying a store made trail mix, make your own healthy blend of reduced salted nuts and organic dry fruit.

6. Fruit juice

Orange juice, grape juice and cranberry juice all sound healthy from the tongue because they contain fruit in the names. A large ingredient of fruit juices is sugar. It’s true that some juices contain antioxidants and vitamins, but with the amount of sugar that’s in these juices, you can get those vitamins somewhere else. If you want a fruity drink, try having some water with cut up fruit. The juice from the fresh fruit will seep into the water and make it taste like juice.