Choosing healthy foods is part of a good fitness program. Exercise is great, but without nutritious food to fuel you, you aren't going to see the results you want.
Finding healthy foods at the grocery store can seem like an overwhelming task. There are a ton of prepackaged foods that claim to be healthy, but the reality is that many of them aren't. Here is a list of so-called healthy foods that really aren't:
1. Protein Bars
While they may indeed have an extra kick of protein, most are nothing more than candy bars. They are packed with sugar, artificial colors, preservatives and trans-fats.
2. Most Yogurt
Yogurt may seem like a healthy food, but a majority of them are loaded with sugar and other filler ingredients.
3. Margarine And Other Synthetic OilsMany people have the mistaken belief that margarine and other vegetable oils are healthy alternatives to butter, but this isn't the case. Most margarine contains partially hydrogenated oil, which is another name for trans fat. Stick with real food.
4. Whole Grain Bread
This is often deceptive labeling. There are no real regulations on the claim that something is "whole grain." All it means is that the product contains some whole grains. The reality is that the product may very well contain mostly refined flour.
A good test is to see how much the bread weighs. Whole grains are denser, so they tend to be heavy.
6. Skim And Low-Fat Milk
Skim milk has less vitamins and often has powdered milk added to it to make it more presentable. Whole milk is higher in nutrients.
7. Foods Marked "Low Fat"
Fat has gotten a bad rap. Not only that, but many low-fat foods are high in sugar and other unhealthy ingredients. Fat is not unhealthy, in fact your body needs it to function. In moderation, fat is good for you. Taking the fat out of foods takes away much of the goodness, and often is replaced with less than wholesome ingredients.
8. Most Commercial Juices
Pretty much anything in the center aisles is not really juice, just a flavored beverage. Don't be fooled by packaging that claims "natural" or "made with real fruit." Most of these drinks are mostly sugar, water, high fructose corn syrup and artificial flavors and colors.
How Can I Stay Healthy?
In addition to diet, regular exercise is essential. The Downtown Athletic Club offers group classes, personal training and state of the art equipment to help you achieve your fitness goals.
Finding healthy foods at the grocery store can seem like an overwhelming task. There are a ton of prepackaged foods that claim to be healthy, but the reality is that many of them aren't. Here is a list of so-called healthy foods that really aren't:
1. Protein Bars
While they may indeed have an extra kick of protein, most are nothing more than candy bars. They are packed with sugar, artificial colors, preservatives and trans-fats.
2. Most Yogurt
Yogurt may seem like a healthy food, but a majority of them are loaded with sugar and other filler ingredients.
3. Margarine And Other Synthetic OilsMany people have the mistaken belief that margarine and other vegetable oils are healthy alternatives to butter, but this isn't the case. Most margarine contains partially hydrogenated oil, which is another name for trans fat. Stick with real food.
4. Whole Grain Bread
This is often deceptive labeling. There are no real regulations on the claim that something is "whole grain." All it means is that the product contains some whole grains. The reality is that the product may very well contain mostly refined flour.
A good test is to see how much the bread weighs. Whole grains are denser, so they tend to be heavy.
6. Skim And Low-Fat Milk
Skim milk has less vitamins and often has powdered milk added to it to make it more presentable. Whole milk is higher in nutrients.
7. Foods Marked "Low Fat"
Fat has gotten a bad rap. Not only that, but many low-fat foods are high in sugar and other unhealthy ingredients. Fat is not unhealthy, in fact your body needs it to function. In moderation, fat is good for you. Taking the fat out of foods takes away much of the goodness, and often is replaced with less than wholesome ingredients.
8. Most Commercial Juices
Pretty much anything in the center aisles is not really juice, just a flavored beverage. Don't be fooled by packaging that claims "natural" or "made with real fruit." Most of these drinks are mostly sugar, water, high fructose corn syrup and artificial flavors and colors.
How Can I Stay Healthy?
In addition to diet, regular exercise is essential. The Downtown Athletic Club offers group classes, personal training and state of the art equipment to help you achieve your fitness goals.
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