We live in a world today where more and more people are becoming health conscious and are stepping up and starting to make positive changes in their lifestyle. In this process however, they’re often making changes that they think are healthy, but may not be quite so.
As various food companies are catching wind of all the health conscious people out there, they’re starting to market products that are targeting this crowd, aiming to increase their sales and meet their needs, wants, and desires.
Sadly though, often these products aren’t quite as healthy as they seem. So what are healthy foods to eat?
Let’s take a closer look at a few things that you need to consider.
The Low-Fat Food Trap
The first problem to be aware of is the low fat food trap. This trap involves foods that are prepared to be ultra-low fat, but due to the fact that all the fat (including much of it’s originating healthy properties) has been removed, often a great deal of sugar is added in its place.
This leaves the food very processed in nature, and upon consumption, it will just increase your blood sugar levels and then provide a prompt crash that will leave you feeling hungry and wanting more. This is also called the “crash & crave” cycle.
The Sugar-Free Food Trap
The second problem you’ll encounter is the sugar-free trap. This trap involves foods that go in the opposite direction and have had the sugar removed from them, with artificial sweeteners added in its place.
While the calorie value of these foods may be lower, artificial sweeteners are far from being healthy for the body and are not going to promote optimal wellness.
To promote longer term health, steer clear of foods laden with artificial sweeteners. And YES, this goes for that Splenda or Equal you put in your coffee or tea.
If you need to sweeten your coffee or tea, try using honey, instead!
The Calorie Counting Trap
The third problem to be aware of is the calorie counting trap. This is where manufacturers will package a food that isn’t all that healthy into a small serving sized pack. Often it’ll contain just 100 calories or so, so you’ll think that it’s a healthier addition to your diet plan.
While the calorie count may not be all that high, this does not mean in any way that it is considered healthy for you to be consuming.
Typically, these pre-packaged “low-calorie” food options are just empty calories! Little to no nutritional value.
Now you know what NOT to eat, so what are healthy foods to eat?
So that brings us to our last and final question, which is what are healthy foods to eat? The foods that really make you the healthiest are going to be those that are come in their most natural state and are “real” food and nutrient dense.
What’s that mean?
This means the food should be have little or no processing. If you focus on including a high amount of fresh fruits and vegetables (I love sweet potatoes!!) along with whole grains (be careful on the marketing out there on this one), lean protein sources, and nuts and oils, you’ll be eating what will make you healthy in the end – and your hunger sustained for a longer period or time! Which is key, if you are eating on a budget.
Your hunger levels will be more controlled and you’ll take in the right amount of calories with ease.
So next time you’re walking down the aisle of the grocery store and you spot a number of marketing claims that make you want to purchase a product, really ask yourself whether that product is going to do your body good.
Labels: eating clean, Low Fat food trap, sugar free foods
So that brings us to our last and final question, which is what are healthy foods to eat? The foods that really make you the healthiest are going to be those that are come in their most natural state and are “real” food and nutrient dense.