"Healthy" Foods That Really Aren't Healthy

The healthy food industry is a multi-billion dollar industry. Most everyone knows they should eat healthy. Most everyone would like to start eating healthier and some have even took the plunge into healthy foods. However, there are many foods out there that will fool you. From misleading packaging to foods that sound healthy, one really needs to be careful when trying to make healthy choices. This article will discuss a few of the most common healthy sounding foods, and also touch on a few foods that are healthy, but typical things people to do to destroy the healthy benefits.

• Salads - If you ask someone what they ate for lunch and they said "a salad" you'd think they were being pretty healthy. However, salads can end up having more calories than a burger and fries! Too much dressing, buffalo chicken, tortilla chips, cheese and bacon are typically the culprits that can totally destroy a salad.
• Sushi - So what's bad with raw fish? Nothing really, but when you roll it up in white rice and add a rich, creamy sauce to the top it can go bad in a hurry. A typical sushi roll with sauce can have upwards of 600 calories and 20g of fat - and who eats just one roll?
• Nutella - The marketing behind Nutells make it sound like a great product. A quick dose of hazelnuts with a dash of skim milk. However, this junk is about as good for you as a candy bar! Try 200 calories, 11g far and 20+g sugar in 2 tbsp. Stick with your natural peanut butter instead.
• Bran or Blueberry Muffins - sounds like a healthy choice, but bran and blueberry muffins can have up to 500 calories and over 20g of fat!
• Granola - Sounds healthy and can be a healthy choice, but the majority of commercial granola you can buy is loaded with fat, extra sugar and vegetable oils. Look for whole grain oats and no artificial colors or sweeteners. If you see corn syrup, get the heck out.
• Protein Bars - There are good protein bars, then there are candy bars with a little protein in them. Just because something says "high protein" on the label does not mean it is good for you. I have seen some protein bars with 400 calories and 22g of fat - the same as eating nearly two snickers bars! Read labels, watch reviews and don't let the protein bar label fool you.
• 100 Calorie Snacks - So, here is an interesting concept - cram a pile of crap in a bag and say it only has 100 calories and people will think it is OK to eat it. Here is a cookie, but it only has 100 calories. How about a piece of cheesecake - but it's only 100 calories. Portion control is great, but just because your snack is only 100 calories, do not be fooled into thinking that it is healthy
• Dried Fruit - So just like eating a fresh apple right?? Probably not. Many packages of dried fruits contain tons of extra sugar! You think you are eating fruit but it's really candy. Look for organic no sugar added dried fruits or just eat the real-deal..
• Turkey Bacon - Regarded as the healthy alternative to regular bacon, turkey bacon does contain less fat, but just as much sodium. It is fine to eat occasionally, but I wouldn't eat it every morning for breakfast due to the high sodium content.

I am sure this list could go on and on, but hopefully this helps and even just gets you thinking about "healthy" foods in this manner the next time you hit-up the store.