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It is my belief that regular Physical Activity and Nutrition are the two most important elements to living an active healthy lifestyle.

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Foods You THINK Are Healthy ;-)


We often try and pass off certain foods as healthy.  We try and justify what we eat.  In many ways we make excuses.  Statements such as, “go big or go home” or “you only live once” are sayings I hear quite frequently.  However, if you live by the “go big or go home principle,” you may be sabotaging your fitness goals. When it comes to food, we live in the now and complain latter.  I see it virtually every day.  People often say how unhappy they are with their figure, but yet continue to make unhealthy food choices.  As humans we are rational and irrational.  We know the difference between good and poor food choices.  Yet when it comes to decision time, we make poor food choices.  When it comes to food humans are irrational.  We live in the now (enjoy the food) and worry about the consequences latter (weight gain).  We also like to think of certain foods as healthy.  This justifies eating them.  If we can pass certain foods off as healthy, we can justify eating them.

Some common foods we typically think of as healthy.  Think again if your really serious about making change.

(1) Sushi Rolls

Most of us think of Sushi as being light.  Think again! With hardly a sliver of actual fish, white rice, and dipping sauce (soy), these carb bomb shells can pack up to 800 Calories in just 6 sushi rolls.  

(2) Guacamole

Consumed in moderation, not so bad.  However, each tablespoon packs about 40 calories.  In most cases people eat 8-10 tablespoons, which adds up to about 400 calories.  And that’s not including the chips! That’s not including your main course either!  Use guacamole in moderation :-)

(3) Reduced fat anything

We often think reduced fat = smart food choice.  However, most reduced fat options are chemically engineered and over processed.  They are anti foods! In addition, they also contain about 80% of the same calories.  If your eating “baked” chips, yes that is technically a smarter food choice.  However, your still eating chips!

(4) Little or Fat Free Dressing

Most people love fat free dressings.  Some claim they can’t taste the difference.  Keep in mind this flavor comes with a cost.  Most fat free dressings remove the fat and add sugar.  Substituting one bad thing for another.  Make your own dressings with balsamic vinegar and olive oil.  Otherwise your just eating salad dressing with salad.


(5) Fruit Juices

Fruit juices are packed with sugar.  Many fruit juices pack as much sugar as colas.  It’s very easy to drink calories, as it takes no chewing time.  Instead of drinking your apple juice, eat an apple.

(6) Baked Beans

I love my mom’s homemade baked beans.  However, most baked beans are soaked in sugary syrup, which may contain as much sugar as a can of cola.  Beans by themselves are great for you.  However, whether its mom’s homemade beans or ones from a can, these sweat treats may be sabotaging your diet.  

(7) Granola

The name granola sounds so healthy. GRANOLA.  However, the granola that comes in a box is loaded with chemicals, preservatives, and tons of sugar.  In just 2/3 of a cup, Presidents Choice granola ,13 grams of sugar.  If your looking for a healthy alternative, make your own granola.  You can find clean eating granola recipes online.

(8) Healthy Deli Meats

Think about the color and texture of deli meats.  If your eating sliced turkey, how closely does this resemble actual turkey? It doesn’t. These chemically charged meats are a poor food choice.  Stick to real turkey, ham, or roast beef.  Avoid over processed foods when possible.  They are loaded with chemicals and contain tons of salt.

(9) Fruit at the bottom yogurt

You must be thinking by now, this guy is crazy.  How could “fruit at the bottom yogurt” cause harm.  Many of these prepared fruit cups use low quality yogurt that pack tons of sugar.  Not to mention the sugar packed granola that tops these parfaits. If your looking for a smart healthy alternative, buy plain natural yogurt and top with your own fresh fruit.

(10) Commercial Salads  

Salad is great for you! However, most commercial salads usually have bacon bits, cheese, chopped eggs, and dressing.  Think your making a healthy choice by skipping out on the cheeseburger.  Think again.  Many commercial salads can easily add up to 500 calories or more.  If you are going to have a salad, avoid the bacon bits, cheese, and high calorie dressings.  Make your own salad and dressings!

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