There’s never enough time in the day, is there? It can be tough to stay on top of eating healthy, especially when it feels like there are so many other things to worry about. But even when you’re short on time, you can still make good choices by keeping some quick and healthy snacks on hand. We always have processed foods on hand, and they’ve saved us time and energy in the past. But, is this really the best way to live?
Many of the items on this list are staples of our daily diet. However, if not eaten in strict moderation (or avoided completely) they can lead to long-term health problems. Some of these products are clearly harmful, but others seem like healthy foods, only to be proven unhealthy when it’s too late. After looking at this list, you might want to reconsider the items you put on your shopping list.
1. Perrier Natural Sparkling Mineral Water
PFAS chemicals, also known as “per- and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals,” are synthetic and used in a variety of everyday items, such as stain-resistant fabrics and food packaging. These chemicals have been around for over 70 years, and have been linked to health issues such as thyroid disruption, cancer, and low birth weight. Despite this, they are not federally regulated.
Some sparkling mineral water brands, like Perrier, were found to have measurable amounts of these PFAS chemicals. According to CBS News, Perrier Natural Sparkling Mineral Water has 1.1 ppt of PFAS chemicals. The presence of these chemicals could be due to high PFAS levels in the source water or the carbonation process.
2. Refried Beans
Homemade beans can be a very healthy food, as they have a lot of fiber and protein, which are good for the body. However, processed versions of this food, despite being practical and versatile, are not so healthy.
Processed refried beans can contain high levels of sodium and saturated fat, which can lead to a number of health problems such as hypertension, obesity and high cholesterol. Some studies have even shown that a diet high in these unhealthy ingredients can increase your risk of cancer.
3. Sunflower Seeds
While sunflower seeds are often considered a healthy snack, they can still lead to weight gain if you eat too many. This is because they are high in calories as well as sodium, which can cause you to consume too much salt if you eat too many.
According to Science Daily, in 2017 researchers found that sunflower seeds were traceable as a source of “toxic mold” and were “contaminated” with mold-produced toxins. These toxins can act as a potent liver carcinogen, and sunflower seed consumption, if the seeds have these toxic substances, poses an “increased health risk.”
4. Canned Tuna
You may have heard that tuna is one of the favorite foods of nutritionists when it comes to weight loss diets. This is because it is high in protein and low in carbohydrates, and, as we all know, a high-protein, low-carb diet is usually a powerhouse for weight loss.
Although canned tuna may contain mercury, it is still a healthy food to include in your diet. This is because mercury is only harmful in large amounts, and even then, it can affect your nervous, immune, and digestive systems.
5. Fried Chicken
Where to begin when it comes to fried chicken? Some might say with the crispy, salty crust, while others might crave the juicy meat inside. However, one thing everyone can agree on is that this dish is best enjoyed in moderation- after all, it is fried in oil!
Fried chicken is also usually quite high in calories, which can lead to problems like being overweight and having diabetes and heart disease. So if you want to eat chicken, it may be a better option to bake it.
6. Tortillas
Though tortillas are generally fine to eat in moderation, they’re not the healthiest choice if you’re looking for something nutritious. Flour tortillas are popular all over the world, but they’re not as good for you as some of the other options out there. They often have a high caloric content, which can be bad for your health if you eat them in large quantities.
The flour used in the tortillas is usually mass-produced, and, therefore, full of preservatives and additives. Though these chemicals keep the tortillas fresh for longer, they can wreak havoc on our bodies. Thirdly, flour tortillas often have a lot of sodium. Bottom line, if you’re looking for a healthier tortilla option, stick to corn tortillas (or homemade).
7. Dannon Yogurt
The promise of Dannon brands is that they will help children grow up healthy and strong, but the reality is far different. This product is crammed with sugar, fat, and artificial colorants, all of which can lead to various health risks if consumed in excess.
Dannon Yogurt is not without its risks; diabetes, metabolic and heart problems, and obesity can all occur due to this product. Additionally, the excess fat that Dannon contains can become carcinogenic. Though the amount of calcium in Dannon Yogurt is high, it doesn’t outweigh all the negatives.
8. Granola Bars
Granola bars often get a bad rap for being unhealthy, but the truth is that many of these bars can actually be good for you. With nature-themed advertisements and scenes that promote exercise, these bars seem like a healthy snack option. However, some of these bars’ ingredients could actually cause problems for your health.
These days, many people are looking for healthy snack options that are low in refined sugars and high in nutrients. Unfortunately, many granola bars on the market are not very healthy. They are often high in refined sugars and lack significant amounts of fruit. However, there are a few granola bars on the market that are a better choice for a healthy snack. These bars typically have fewer ingredients and are lower in refined sugars.
9. Artificially Flavored Creamer
Starting the day with a cup of coffee can be just what many of us need to get going. And, since the majority of people prefer not to drink their coffee bitter, creamer is often added. There are many artificial-flavored coffee creamers out there, from regular vanilla to even “White Chocolate Raspberry” (International Delight).
Though a dash doesn’t hurt, if you’re one of those people who likes to dilute your coffee to a light tan, think twice. These creamers have a high sugar content, and the artificial flavorings used could be linked to abdominal pain, food hypersensitivity, and more, depending on the flavoring the company chose.
10. Frozen Vegetables
There’s no need to worry if frozen vegetables are your thing – just note that you might have to eat more if you want to get all the nutrients that non-frozen veggies have. Freezing does help retain some of the nutritional content of frozen vegetables and fruit, so you can enjoy them without feeling guilty!
Although the nutrients begin to break down if the produce has been frozen for over a year, vitamins and minerals are still lost during the blanching process. In fact, the greatest nutritional loss occurs during that time. So, if you have frozen vegetables, go ahead and enjoy them – and eat them sooner rather than later for the best results.
11. Strawberries
Consuming strawberries can provide a wealth of health benefits, but it is important to be mindful of the pesticides they contain. These berries can have up to 20 different types of pesticides on them, so it is important to be careful when indulging.
As strawberries are eaten with their skin, it is essential to clean them very well before eating them, to avoid consuming the sweet and delicious juices that are used in their cultivation. However, some precautions need to be taken to make sure they are properly disinfected before eating. Running them through water may not be enough, so a better option is to spray them with fruit disinfectant.
12. Margarine
Interestingly, margarine was originally invented as a cheaper alternative to traditional butter. However, unlike butter, margarine contains only a trace amount of cow’s milk. In fact, some brands have even eliminated any animal-based ingredients from their recipe.
At the heart of margarine is a blend of healthy vegetable oils – instead of the unhealthy fat from cow’s milk. This leads to a reduced amount of trans fat, which can help to prevent conditions such as diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.
13. Potato Chips
The majority of potato chips are made with unhealthy ingredients like petroleum-based colorings, starches, and preservatives. In addition, a small serving of chips can provide a third of your daily recommended sodium intake.
To make matters worse, French fries, which are a close cousin to everyone’s favorite snack food, also contain monosodium glutamate, a compound that enhances flavor but will leave you wanting to eat more and more. There’s a reason you can’t eat just one.
14. Donuts
There is no limit to the delicious possibilities when it comes to donuts! These sweet treats come in all sorts of flavors and can be decorated with a variety of toppings to satisfy any craving.
However, the main issue with donuts is not just their high sugar content, but also the fact that they are deep-fried. This means that they contain harmful trans fats. I’m sorry to say this, but don’t include donuts in your daily diet if you want to stay healthy.
15. Prepackaged Hamburgers
Burgers that come prepackaged or pre-packaged often tend to be cheaper, which is why many people like them. However, because they are prepackaged, the meat within them is often of questionable origin, which allows companies to save on production costs.
Actually, many packages indicate that the content of hamburgers is “meat” only up to a certain percentage. There can be a variety of things in the rest, from soy to animal hides. Of course, this isn’t usually mentioned on the labels.
16. Sausages
Sausages are a very versatile food that can be eaten and cooked in a wide variety of ways. However, they’re not the best option if you’re looking for a healthy diet. Their main problem is their high amount of saturated fat.
Sausages may taste great, but they’re not exactly the healthiest food choice. In addition to containing high levels of sodium and nitrates, which can increase your risk of cancer, these products can also contribute to obesity and heart disease.
17. Hamburgers
There is no doubt that burgers are one of the most popular fast foods out there. However, what many people don’t know is that the health dangers that come with eating burgers go far beyond the extra pounds.
Hamburgers at fast-food restaurants are often made with unhealthy ingredients like saturated fat, sugar, and sodium. This can have negative consequences for your circulatory, nervous, and digestive systems. In addition, these burgers are usually high in calories but low in nutrients.