Foods That We Think are Healthy but Aren't

While many foods are marketed as healthy, some may not be as nutritious as they seem and may even be harmful to our health when consumed in excess.

Here are some examples of foods that may appear healthy but aren't:

1. While granola can be a good source of fiber and protein, it is often high in added sugars. Some varieties can contain as much sugar as a candy bar, so it's important to read labels carefully and watch portion sizes.

2. Smoothies can be a convenient way to pack in fruits and vegetables, but they can also be high in sugar, particularly when made with sweetened fruit juices or added sweeteners like honey or agave nectar.

3. While veggie chips may sound healthy, they are often no better than regular potato chips in terms of nutrition. They are usually high in calories, sodium, and unhealthy genetically modified fats, and may contain little actual vegetables.

4. Gluten-free products: Gluten-free products are necessary for individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, but they are not inherently healthier than their gluten-containing counterparts. In fact, many gluten-free products are higher in calories, sugar, and unhealthy genetically modified fats to compensate for the lack of gluten.

5. Energy bars can be a convenient snack, but many are high in sugar and calories and low in fiber and protein. It's important to read labels carefully and choose bars with whole-food ingredients and minimal added sugars.

6. Juice: It’s nothing but a sugar bomb for the body that leads to excess glucose in the body, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, as well as a whole host of other heath issues.

7. Processed, vegan meats are not real food, they are high in additives and preservatives, flavor enhancers, and other artificial ingredients to mimic the taste, texture, and appearance of meat. These additives may include sodium, nitrates, food colorings, and flavorings, all of which have been linked to inflammation and chronic diseases.