While it is pretty obvious that you should steer clear of unhealthy foods to remain fit and healthy, there is something of a gray area when it comes to some seemingly unhealthy foods that are about as bad for you as foods with a bad reputation. That’s why they say that healthy living isn’t as easy as it sounds. Consult a nutritionist for an effective diet management plan.
It is crucial that you look beyond the labels and be aware of all the ingredients before deciding if a snack is actually healthy. When you do it right, snacking can help you reach your health goals.
However, when you get it wrong, it can backfire and move you off track. Here are some seemingly healthy snacks that are a far a cry from what you think they are in terms of health benefits:
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1-Trail Mix:
Although plain and natural unsweetened dried fruit and unsalted nuts trail mix is a healthy option, it might not be a good idea to buy trail mix off a supermarket. As with most other things, supermarkets are highly capable of turning a perfectly healthy snack into a calorie-laden unhealthy one.
The ones available in the stores contain lots of salt and added sugar and also come with unnecessary add-ons like chocolate chips. Moreover, even a handful of trail mix has a lot of calories, so whether you are having a homemade one or a commercial one, be mindful of the portion.
2-Microwave Popcorn:
Microwave popcorns are so easy to make and now that there are so many light varieties out there, you might think they are a healthy snack. However, microwave popcorns are choke full of sodium and the chemical diacetyl, which makes the status of this snack as a healthy one questionable.
So, the next time you are in the mood for some popcorn, just stuff a brown paper bag with plain kernels and pop them on your own. You can also customize the flavor according to your liking.
3-Vegetable Patties:
Veggie patties can be a diet staple for people who have quit meat, but a lot of processed and frozen versions come with unhealthy filler ingredients to make them more palatable. To make sure that the one you are buying is actually nutritious, be sure to check the ingredients list. Or, alternatively, you can make your own at home.
4-Bottled Green Juices:
While you might think you are consuming a healthy drink, commercial green juices are often loaded with sugar. Moreover, fruits and vegetables lose their fiber content when they are juiced, so even if there is no added sugar, your blood sugar levels might go up. Instead of going for juices, you might want to go for raw fruits and vegetables. Alternatively, you can make a smoothie so that fiber is not lost.
Talk to a nutritionist to determine which snacks are in line with your health goals. You can find and book an appointment with a top Nutritionist in Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad through oladoc.com. You can also call our helpline at 042-3250-044 for assistance to find the RIGHT Doctor for your health concerns.
