Here are four foods that may not be as healthy as their marketing makes them out to be.
Breakfast Cereal
Many people start their day with cereal because they’ve been told it’s a heart-healthy breakfast option. However, this isn’t always true. Unfortunately, many breakfast cereals are made with refined grains, have added sugars, and lack nutrients like fiber to fill you up. For example, Honey Nut Cheerios claims to be a “heart healthy” choice; however, it contains 12 grams of added sugar per cup.
Flavored Yogurt
Yogurt is a great food for those who suffer from stomach problems like IBS, as the probiotics help healthy bacteria grow in your microbiome. However, many flavored yogurts are high in sugar – sometimes up to 20 grams of added sugar per serving. Be sure to look for low-sugar options, ideally yogurts with less than 8 grams per serving. Or, opt for plain Greek yogurt. If you want some sweetness, add a drizzle of maple syrup or top with fresh fruit.
Flatbread & Wraps
It’s common for people to swap out their traditional sandwich bread for something like a wrap or flatbread. Since they’re skinnier, they must be healthier, right? Unfortunately, there’s a good chance that the wrap or flatbread you’re replacing your bread with is higher in calories. They also don’t contain the yeast that makes regular bread rise, so they’re denser. Also, don’t be fooled by the tomato, spinach, and other vegetable varieties; they usually don’t have enough added nutritional value.
Sports Drinks
When you finish a sweaty workout, your body needs something to rehydrate and replenish electrolytes. Sports drinks might seem like the perfect post-exercise beverage, but you may not realize that many are high in calories and have nearly as much sugar as soda! While these sports drinks are great for extreme athletes who need to replenish a lot of carbohydrates and nutrients, they’re not good for the average exerciser. Instead, look for sugar-free, zero-calorie options – or stick to water!