5 Junk Foods Disguised as ‘Healthy’
There are LOTS of deceiving foods out there! Advertising wants to make you believe that certain foods are healthy, BUT in reality they’re just junk food.
#1- DIET SODA, SPORTS DRINKS, AND FLAVORED BOTTLED WATER.
Those low calorie drinks or drinks starting with that evil word ‘diet’ are lying to you! Even though the nutrition facts say zero calories or no sugar, your body doesn’t get the message. Those artificial sweeteners are worse than sugar! They are WAY sweeter than sugar which results in a higher blood glucose level. Keep it up and Obesity and Type II Diabetes will become your friends.
Check out this episode on Katie Couric’s show where research shows sugar and artificial sweeteners are 8 times more addicting than cocaine! Not convinced…. here’s another post sharing the differences between water vs. coke.
#2- CANNED FRUITS.
Canned fruit is packaged with a high-sugar syrup. Even in the ‘light’ syrup, there is anywhere from 3 to 4 tsp of sugar added. I’m also still skeptical that the fruit is even ‘real’ fruit. I mean, have you tasted those nasty, squishy grapes and disgusting cherries? No, thank you. Skip the canned fruit and go with FRESH or FROZEN fruit every time!
#3- BOTTLED FRUIT AND VEGETABLE JUICE.
Just like canned fruit, there are lots of nutrients lost and sugar or salt added. Also, the fiber, anti-oxidant, and vitamin content is not as plentiful as raw vegetables due to the refining, blending, and packaging processes involved. Instead of store bought fruit and vegetable juices, try making smoothies with fresh fruit and vegetables. Your mouth and stomach with thank you!
#4- MICROWAVE POPCORN.
I LOVE popcorn! I use to purchase those mini microwave bags and eat one all on my own. However, those days have come and gone. I’ve been reading some SCARY stuff about microwave popcorn.
One article shares how the FDA has found substances like perfluorooctanoic (PFOA) which coats the popcorn bag and diacetyl found in fake butter flavoring. When heated, these substances get soaked into your popcorn. Also, these chemicals “likely to cause cancer in humans.” Yeah… I like to stay away from anything that are ‘likely to cause cancer’.
Here’s a way to enjoy some popcorn free of those nasty chemicals. Scoop 3 tablespoons of coconut oil into a 3 quart or larger pan and place on medium high heat. Put two kernels in. When one pops, pour in 1/3 cup of pop corn and cover pan. When corn begins to pop, shake pan constantly over the heat to prevent popcorn from burning. Remove pan from heat immediately when popping stops. Pour into a large bowl and season with sea salt to taste. You’re welcome.
#5- FROZEN DINNERS (Lean Pockets, Healthy Choice, etc.).
I’m a HUGE advocate for READING THE INGREDIENTS ON EACH AND EVERY PRE-PACKAGED AND PROCESSED FOOD YOU PURCHASE! Educate yourself on what you’re putting into your body.
I read this great article breaking down the ingredient list in a Healthy Choice frozen dinner. The highlighted ingredients are what you would use to make a home-cooked meal.
Cooked Penne Pasta (Water, Durum, Semolina [Enriched with Niacin, Iron (Ferrous Sulfate), Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid], Egg Whites), Garlic and Pepper Seasoned Chicken Tenderloin Chunks, Chicken Tenderloin, Water, Garlic and Pepper, Chicken Seasoning [Salt, Sugar, Dehydrated Garlic, Spices Including Paprika, Maltodextrin, Soy Lecithin,Chicken Broth [Contains Flavors], Xanthan Gum, Caramel Color, Natural Flavor], Olive Oil, Isolated Soy Protein Product [Isolated Soy Protein,Modified Food Starch, Starch, Carrageenan, Soy Lecithin]). Broccoli, Water,Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Paste, Contains 2% or Less of: Full MoistureParmesan Cheese (Cultured Pasteurized Milk, Salt, Enzymes), BrownSugar, Onions, Garlic, Salt, Canola Oil, Modified Food Starch, Spices,Potassium Chloride, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid.
Look at all the additives! Skip the frozen dinners and prepare your own, healthy and delicious meal! I have lots of scrumptious recipes for you! What other junk foods have you found to be disguised as ‘healthy’?
Canned fruit…that one was a shocker back in the day. It largely motivated me to post a fresh produce price list on my site, because fresh fruit IS affordable. I grew up on this canned fruit…it just isn’t the same as the real deal!
Couldn’t agree more, Audra! Canned fruit (especially little fruit cups) can be more expensive than purchasing real fruit. Thanks for commenting.
Another way to make popcorn at home is to put 1/4 cup kernels in a brown paper lunch bag. Fold the top of the bag over 3 times. Put it in the microwave for around 3 minutes and listen for the popping to slow down. (Mine is usually done in 1:40). When it’s done, I dump it in a big bowl, toss and spray with olive oil 3 times, then sprinkle with salt (I like garlic and onion salt), and toss again! Really fast and easy! (Found this trick on 100 Days of Real Food).
Great suggestion, Nicole! I can’t wait to try popping popcorn that way.
What a great list – have you seen this fun video from a series called “What The Heck are You Eating?” – I got my dad to watch it, and he hasn’t had microwave popcorn since (and he was an AVID fan!) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6sqRLgTgLw
I haven’t seen the video yet, Yvonne! I’ll definitely check it out. Thanks!
Kami, I just recently found your blog and love it! LOVE this post!! I am also an RN and can’t believe what we eat and call food!!! Thank you for educating us all and making it simple (your list could have gone on forever, but baby steps:)) I also love doing microwave popcorn in a paper bag, sooo easy! Thank you!
Jennifer, I’m so happy you found me! I just worked a night shift last night and sometimes get so disappointed in the lifestyle choices people make. I know you can relate to me being a nurse yourself. Thank you for your kind words and please come back and share more thoughts.