4 Foods Nutritionists Avoid – And You Must Too!
Yes, there are foods that are bad. Period. Eating anything once in a while won’t completely disrupt your health. However, that doesn’t mean fried Oreos aren’t bad. It also doesn’t mean you’re a bad person if you have eaten them. Apart from those random times when we all succumb to “bad” food cravings, there are certain foods that nutritionists stay away from all the time. Here are the top five ones to watch out for:
1. Processed pastries
Processed pastries are made with refined hydrogenated oils (unhealthy trans fats), wheat flour, refined sugar, and a lot of other artificial ingredients and chemicals. A long list of ingredients and long shelf life is a sure indication for you to place that package back on the shelf.
2. Diet soda
Calorie-free is not synonymous with chemical-free. Diet sodas contain artificial sweeteners. They trigger insulin, sending your body into fat storage mode. This may lead to weight gain, although the soda itself contains no calories.
3. Pretzels
Pretzels have no protein, no fiber, and no healthy fat, or no added health benefits. You’re consuming empty calories. Pretzels are all refined carbs. Rather, go for a handful of snacks full of fiber, like nuts. Diets rich in high-fiber whole grains are associated with lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease (CHD). Consuming whole grains has a positive effect on one’s lipid profiles and glycemic control.
4. Hot dogs
Processed meats are one of the worst things to consume. They’re high in saturated fats (not the good ones, like those found in coconut) and sodium and are and filled with sodium nitrite (a preservative used to adding color and flavor to meats) and other dyes and chemicals.
