Recipe Station

Here's the list of foods that seem healthy but may not offer all of the health benefits you'd expect. You might be disappointed at many of these snacks; they're not only yummy but seem like a much better alternative to junk food.

1. Granola

If you've ever read the nutrition information on granola, you probably think it's pretty healthy — until you realize that that information is for a 1/4-cup serving, which is way more than most of us eat.

2. Gluten-Free Products (if you’re not gluten-free)

Gluten-free has been all the rage for the past few years, but if you don't have a gluten intolerance problem, you probably don't need gluten-free food. In fact, gluten-free food is usually loaded with extra calories and sugar, and could actually cause you harm.

3. Dried Fruit

Just because it's fruit doesn't mean it's healthy. In fact, dried fruit is loaded with sugar.

4. Sugar-Free Anything

Sugar-free products contain artificial sweeteners which have health hazards of their own.

5. Flavored Yogurt

Contrary to popular belief, flavored yogurt rarely contains actual fruit, but does contain extra sugar.

6. Trail Mix

Many trail mixes contain candy, which definitely is not the healthiest choice. Stick to versions that have mainly nuts but also a little dark chocolate and perhaps dried fruit.

7. Meal Replacement Bars

Many meal replacement bars are practically on the same level as a candy bar.

8. Frozen Yogurt

Frozen yogurt by itself might be OK, but if you pile on the toppings you add sugar and calories.

9. Fat-Free/Low Fat Anything

Reducing fat also reduces flavor, which is why manufacturers add sugar to fat-free foods to make them more appetizing.

10. Prepared Salads

Salad sounds like a good choice, but many restaurant and prepared salads are practically smothered in dressing, which is typically packed with calories, fat and other harmful ingredients.

11. Instant Oatmeal

Instant oatmeal contains a lot of carbs and sugar, so it's better to make your own the old-fashioned way.

12. Salad Dressing

Most of us couldn't imagine eating salad without dressing, but it's typically loaded with calories, fat, preservatives and other things you don't want.

13. Microwave Popcorn

Microwave popcorn is just packed with fat and other unsavory ingredients, so you're better off air-popping kernels on your own.

14. Smoothies

Smoothies are another popular health trend, but are usually only healthy if you make them yourself. If you buy them, they're probably loaded with sugar and contain little to no fruit.

15. Juice

Even pure juice is an unhealthy choice because it's basically just sugar.

16. Sushi

Sushi itself isn't the villain, but rather the specialty rolls that often contain extra ingredients like cream cheese, which also means extra calories.

17. Veggie Burgers

The term “veggie burger” can be misleading, because many store-bought veggie burgers contain few vegetables, and consist mainly of fillers like rice and beans, along with oil.

18. Bottled Tea

Many people reach for bottled tea instead of soda, thinking they're making a healthier choice. However, bottled teas are high in sugar, which also means extra calories. If you want tea, it's better to make your own.

19. Veggie Chips

Veggie chips are still fried just like potato chips, which isn't so healthy, plus cooking the vegetables depletes many of their nutrients, so you'd derive more benefits from eating raw veggies instead.

If you're like us, you probably saw several of your favorite snacks on this list. While it's disheartening to know you can't enjoy them guilt-free any longer, at least you know what mistakes you're making so you can get on the right track. We're looking forward to implementing these suggestions and improving our health right away!

Article Source: Spoon University

https://spoonuniversity.com/lifestyle/19-misleading-foods-that-seem-healthy-but-arent/