According to Courtney D'Angelo, MS, RD, author at “Fit Healthy Momma,” it is time to stop eating these unhealthy foods. For some, it is chocolate, for some enjoying a crisp soda or eating a fast-food meal. While we all have out “guilty pleasures,” some experts believe that there are food items that just are not worth the indulgence.
1. Reduced fat peanut butter. Peanut butter is a great snack to choose for a boost of protein and healthy fat. But according to D'Angelo, choosing a “reduced fat” option can come with some consequences. “What happens when brands reduce fat in their peanut butter, is that they have to add other ingredients that are less healthy,” says D'Angelo, “for example, sugar or corn syrup may have to be added to compensate for the lack of taste from removing the fat.” If you are making yourself a delicious and nostalgic peanut butter and jelly sandwich for lunch, you will want to stay away from the reduced-fat peanut better option. “The added sugars from the reduced-fat peanut butter on top of the sugar from the jelly and two slices of bread may equal too many carbohydrates in one sitting, which can result in high blood sugar levels and lead to weight gain,” says D'Angelo.
2. Sugary cereals. Starting your day with sugary cereals is even worse for you than some people may realize. “The bad news with these cereals is that high sugar intake (especially in the morning) increases the risk of obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and other chronic health conditions,” says D'Angelo, “and there are actually many breakfast cereals that are higher in sugar than some cookies and desserts.”
3. Potato chips. Potato chips may be delicious, but this snack can rack up way too many fat calories in just one sitting. “Just an ounce of regular potato chips has about 152 calories and 10 grams of fat,” says D'Angelo, “which means just a couple of handfuls can get you (more than) the 500-calorie mark.”
4. Fried Food. D'Angelo warns that frying your food is one of the unhealthiest cooking methods and should be done in moderation if at all, because these foods “are high in fat, calories and salt because of the oils used when frying, and many of these oils contain trans-fat, which can raise your LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol,” says D'Angelo. She also mentions that although it may not seem like that big of a deal at first, over time higher levels of LDL will “build up in your arteries and has the potential to lead to heart disease, also known as atherosclerosis.”
If you have any questions regarding a healthier lifestyle contact me at 719-429-1605, healthandwellness@qwestoffice.net, www.sandiashlock.juiceplus.com.