Emily Flores
We’ve all experienced it—wandering the grocery aisles, lured by bright packaging, tempting offers, or an irresistible craving. But not everything deserves a place in your cart and in your tummy! Here are 15 unhealthy food items you should avoid putting on your shopping list for a healthier lifestyle.
Sugary Breakfast Cereals
Don’t let their vibrant appeal deceive you! Those sugary breakfast cereals are calling your name, but they’re not very nutritious. They are too sweet and artificially flavored. Switch to oatmeal or whole-grain cereals instead, which will keep you satisfied longer and prevent a sugar crash.
Artificially Sweetened Beverages
While sugar-free beverages and diet sodas might appear to be better options than traditional sodas, they frequently include artificial sweeteners. Saccharin and aspartame are two such sweeteners. They have the potential to mess with your metabolism and make you crave more sugary foods.
Microwaveable Meals
Microwaveable meals are quick, easy, and require minimal effort—perfect for those days when time is tight. But, regular consumption of such meals can contribute to various long-term health issues. The high sodium and unhealthy fats are bound to increase the risk of heart disease and hypertension.
Packaged Snack Cakes
Who can resist a sweet, creamy, packaged treat? Well, you certainly can if you try. Stick with fresh fruit or homemade goodies if you’re craving something sweet. These snack cakes contain unhealthy fats, high fructose corn syrup, and artificial colors. They’re sugar wrapped in plastic!
Instant Ramen Noodles
Simply because they’re inexpensive and easy to make, instant noodles are a go-to for a lot of working adults and college students. However, they contain a lot of sodium—up to 861 mg per serving at times. This raises the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease.
Frozen Pizzas
Sometimes, making a pizza from scratch can be more satisfying. Moreover, many frozen pizzas use processed meats and cheese, which can be of low quality. Although this food item might seem affordable, the cost per serving can add up, especially if you’re buying it regularly.
Processed Meats
Bacon and sausages are a go-to option for a quick meal. But remember, these meats are loaded with nitrates, which are linked to a greater risk of bowel cancer. On top of that, they contain artificial flavors, colors, and fillers that add nothing beneficial to your diet.
White Bread
White bread, often considered less nutritious than its whole-grain counterparts, can be a poor choice for several reasons. Made from refined flour, it lacks the fiber, vitamins, and minerals found in whole grains. Furthermore, the low fiber content offers less satiation, potentially leading to overeating.
Candy Bars
If you’re looking for a snack, consider reaching for something with natural ingredients, like a handful of nuts. Candy bars seem to be a fun treat, but they come with a few downsides. They’re packed with refined sugars and unhealthy fats, which are likely to contribute to weight gain.
Flavored Yogurts
Although yogurt can be nutritious, flavored yogurt is not always the best choice. Usually packed with artificial chemicals and a lot of added sugar, it may be less healthy than it seems. Furthermore, these additions may overpower the probiotics and natural protein in the yogurt.
Packaged Salad Dressings
For people who want to avoid any artificial components, packaged dressings might not be the best choice because they contain artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. When prepared with fresh, healthy ingredients, homemade dressings tend to be higher in nutrients than store-bought varieties.
Energy Drinks
Containing large quantities of caffeine and sugar, energy drinks can lead to a rollercoaster of energy spikes. Additionally, excessive caffeine can disrupt your sleep and affect your heart health over time. They do offer a temporary boost, but the long-term effects make them a less than ideal choice.
Potato Chips
Imagine reaching for a handful of chips and then feeling sluggish afterward—it’s a common scenario. So, why not consider snacking on something more nutritious, like crunchy veggies with hummus or a handful of seeds? They’ll keep you energized and help you feel better throughout the day.
Canned Soups
Canned soups taste great due to their high salt content, artificial flavorings, and preservatives, which enhance the flavor and make them more appealing. However, this added flavor comes at the expense of nutrition, as the high sodium and chemical additives aren’t the best for our health.
Store-Bought Cookies
There are so many options available in the market, like soft-baked chocolate chips and classic butter cookies. These store-bought varieties are designed to be deliciously sweet and addictive, thanks to their high sugar and fat content. But this also means they’re loaded with additives and preservatives, which are not good for the human body.