“Healthy” Foods that Just Aren’t Healthy

All of us want to strive to be as healthy as we can be, whether it’s taking on an exercise regimen, eating right or doing our best to get a good night’s sleep. But did you know that some foods on the market that most of us think of as “healthy” are quite simply not? In your quest to become as healthy as possible, take note of these foods that you should probably avoid.

• Most breakfast cereals. It’s quick, it’s easy, and all you have to do is pour milk over it. But is it the healthiest breakfast choice? No. Anything with high-fructose corn syrup should be avoided, and (most) breakfast cereals fall firmly in this category. A better option? Fresh fruit, homemade or steel oat oatmeal or muesli.


• Fruit juice. Can you spot where they get you? Yes, the word “fruit.” Fruit juices are really just fructose juice, and fructose is, of course, sugar. This fructose might be natural and from the actual fruit, or from high fructose corn syrup, either way, when you drink fruit juice, you’re drinking a bounty of sugar. A great alternative? Eat a piece of fresh fruit and drink some water!


• Bottled water. Most people think bottled water is a healthier option to tap water, but this just isn’t the case. Only 30-40% of bottled water brands are regulated by the FDA, leaving a large portion of the market untested. Phthalate from the plastic can leech into the water. Phthalate is a cancer-causing agent. Try installing a good filter on your kitchen tap instead.


• Microwave popcorn. A substance called Perfluorooctanoic acid (also known as PFOA) is used in microwave popcorn bags. When heated, this chemical leeches into the popcorn. It’s been connected to several health problems. What’s better than microwave popcorn? Stove top popcorn! It’s more fun and definitely healthier. Instead of regular vegetable oil, try using coconut oil for a light, fluffy alternative.
  

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