wow!!!!!What are we eating!

rachel41

Nutrition bars and low-fat cookies must be good for you, right? Well, just because something sounds healthy doesn't mean it actually is. Many of the products marketed as nutritious involve more hype than health. How can you weed through the claims to separate fact from fiction? Read on to uncover six "health foods" that really aren't that healthy after all.

1. Reduced-Fat Foods. Perhaps they should change the label to "Less fat than the original, which had tons of fat." According to a spokeswoman from the American Dietary Association (ADA), "Reduced-fat foods are heavily marketed, and the marketing works. You only think it's healthy." But the truth is, most reduced-fat products are still high in fat. For this reason, the ADA encourages consumers to read reduced-fat food labels very carefully.

2. Pretzels. What a great snack, right? Actually, pretzels are high in sodium and low in fiber, which is why people can eat a lot of them and still not feel satisfied. According to the ADA, pretzels serve as a filler, but they don't add anything nutritious to your diet. Instead, try replacing them with a sandwich, fruit, or raw vegetables—foods that curb hunger and add nutrients to the body.

3. Cheese Crackers. As with pretzels, people generally consider cheese-flavored crackers a fairly healthy snack. But they're generally low in fiber and high in sodium, according to the ADA. What's more, the cheesy flavor is almost always artificial.

4. Granola Bars. They seem so wholesome, but according to the ADA, their main ingredient is usually sugar. Oftentimes, these treats are also high in fat and coated in chocolate. For these reasons, the ADA recommends replacing them with lower-sugar options, like a bowl of cereal or a bag of trail mix.

5. Energy Bars. These power-packed treats might seem like a sensible snack or meal replacement, but the "energy" touted on the label usually means a whole lot of calories, along with artificial flavorings and preservatives. In some cases, they may even contain trans fats. For a healthier alternative, try low-fat yogurt or a piece of fruit.

6. Sports Drinks. It's tempting to think that by guzzling down a sports drink, you'll become the next Tom Brady or Serena Williams. But according to the ADA, the electrolyte replacement in these drinks is designed for people who exercise rigorously. So unless you work out like a sports hero, you'll wind up consuming a lot of unnecessary calories. For mere mortals, a half-cup of water every 15 to 30 minutes is sufficient during workouts.

rachel41

Nutrition bars and low-fat cookies must be good for you, right? Well, just because something sounds healthy doesn't mean it actually is. Many of the products marketed as nutritious involve more hype than health. How can you weed through the claims to separate fact from fiction? Read on to uncover six "health foods" that really aren't that healthy after all.

1. Reduced-Fat Foods. Perhaps they should change the label to "Less fat than the original, which had tons of fat." According to a spokeswoman from the American Dietary Association (ADA), "Reduced-fat foods are heavily marketed, and the marketing works. You only think it's healthy." But the truth is, most reduced-fat products are still high in fat. For this reason, the ADA encourages consumers to read reduced-fat food labels very carefully.

2. Pretzels. What a great snack, right? Actually, pretzels are high in sodium and low in fiber, which is why people can eat a lot of them and still not feel satisfied. According to the ADA, pretzels serve as a filler, but they don't add anything nutritious to your diet. Instead, try replacing them with a sandwich, fruit, or raw vegetables—foods that curb hunger and add nutrients to the body.

3. Cheese Crackers. As with pretzels, people generally consider cheese-flavored crackers a fairly healthy snack. But they're generally low in fiber and high in sodium, according to the ADA. What's more, the cheesy flavor is almost always artificial.

4. Granola Bars. They seem so wholesome, but according to the ADA, their main ingredient is usually sugar. Oftentimes, these treats are also high in fat and coated in chocolate. For these reasons, the ADA recommends replacing them with lower-sugar options, like a bowl of cereal or a bag of trail mix.

5. Energy Bars. These power-packed treats might seem like a sensible snack or meal replacement, but the "energy" touted on the label usually means a whole lot of calories, along with artificial flavorings and preservatives. In some cases, they may even contain trans fats. For a healthier alternative, try low-fat yogurt or a piece of fruit.

6. Sports Drinks. It's tempting to think that by guzzling down a sports drink, you'll become the next Tom Brady or Serena Williams. But according to the ADA, the electrolyte replacement in these drinks is designed for people who exercise rigorously. So unless you work out like a sports hero, you'll wind up consuming a lot of unnecessary calories. For mere mortals, a half-cup of water every 15 to 30 minutes is sufficient during workouts.

pettmybunny

Very informative. I snickered when I got to the part about the sports drinks though, because my Dr. recommended that I stop drinking water during my workouts and start drinking the sports drinks. He wanted me to get the extra sodium and electrolytes. Indeed, I don't want the extra calories, that's why I'm working out, so I can eat more! I've tried the G2, which has less calories, but it tastes icky. Watered down non fizzy mountain dew. Oh well... Doctor's orders, I am trying.

keiko

This was a good article. I'm not totally good on my eating but I am learning. For me I'd rather eat a homemad cookie that I know what went into it than a low whatever cookie that I have no idea what's in it.
I've been watching the labels closer and wondering is this something I want to eat?

Mangoaddict

what kind of energy bars are actually good? Any idea?

Chellekk

Very informative. I snickered when I got to the part about the sports drinks though, because my Dr. recommended that I stop drinking water during my workouts and start drinking the sports drinks. He wanted me to get the extra sodium and electrolytes. Indeed, I don't want the extra calories, that's why I'm working out, so I can eat more! I've tried the G2, which has less calories, but it tastes icky. Watered down non fizzy mountain dew. Oh well... Doctor's orders, I am trying.

When I go for longer bike rides and need the extra sodium, I add half a sports drink to my water bottles and fill the rest with water. I'm not a fan of most of the sports drinks out there (they taster too salty for me), so I go 50/50. Just a thought.

Mangoaddict

Read your nutrition labels folks!

On Oprah, Dr. Oz mentioned stay away from these top ingredients :-

a) sugar or corn syrup
b) enriched flour
c) trans fats
d)hydrogenated oil

Fitness_Chick

what kind of energy bars are actually good? Any idea?

Luna bars are raw and natural...they contain fruit and nuts... very good pick me up and just plain healthy! Cliff bars are similar...Organic, clean eating, great fiber/carb/protein ratio

I wonder if means more of the store brand more processed types? I know I've gotten Fiber One bars a few times but was shocked to see just how little protein they actually have in them. They have plenty of carbs and the added fiber...but protein? whew...not much. Especially if you're using them for before or after workouts.

So for healthier choices the Luna, Cliffs...oh you'll hear from others on other healthy types that aren't like the Special K ones etc. I imagine. Not trying to pick on any one company (just ones that are coming to mind) but if I see sugar, corn syrup, palm kernel oil or whatever that's called...I try and stay away...:sick:

Check the healthy food stores for the ones I mentioned or even Wally World now has Cliff bars in a box for a GREAT price!! I've tried several flavors but stick to the oatmeal raison now....just seem heartier without the candy bar feel. Just something about eating a bar called brownie nut double fudge doesn't give me a good feeling if it says it's a protein bar. For the same cals I'd eat a snickers! LOL Cept I've lost my craving for the junk food so I'd go for a Cliff bar anytime! I know they have a website!:drinker:

Great article btw...thanks for taking time to share it!!!:bigsmile:

Elizabeth

astridfeline

try the electrolyte mix by Alacer--it's sugar free/calorie free.

SherryRH

smartwater has electrolites in it and I am drinking O unsweetened water (wild berries) for flavor and electrolites. Very yummy.

wildkat318

what kind of energy bars are actually good? Any idea?

Luna bars are raw and natural...they contain fruit and nuts... very good pick me up and just plain healthy! Cliff bars are similar...Organic, clean eating, great fiber/carb/protein ratio

I wonder if means more of the store brand more processed types? I know I've gotten Fiber One bars a few times but was shocked to see just how little protein they actually have in them. They have plenty of carbs and the added fiber...but protein? whew...not much. Especially if you're using them for before or after workouts.

So for healthier choices the Luna, Cliffs...oh you'll hear from others on other healthy types that aren't like the Special K ones etc. I imagine. Not trying to pick on any one company (just ones that are coming to mind) but if I see sugar, corn syrup, palm kernel oil or whatever that's called...I try and stay away...:sick:

Check the healthy food stores for the ones I mentioned or even Wally World now has Cliff bars in a box for a GREAT price!! I've tried several flavors but stick to the oatmeal raison now....just seem heartier without the candy bar feel. Just something about eating a bar called brownie nut double fudge doesn't give me a good feeling if it says it's a protein bar. For the same cals I'd eat a snickers! LOL Cept I've lost my craving for the junk food so I'd go for a Cliff bar anytime! I know they have a website!:drinker:

Great article btw...thanks for taking time to share it!!!:bigsmile:

Elizabeth

I love the Luna and Cliff bars and I use those as "candy bars". I don't find them filling our satisfying in a meal sort of way but a much healthier choice over a Snickers, although Snickers will forever hold a special place in my heart! :grumble:

Fitness_Chick

what kind of energy bars are actually good? Any idea?

Luna bars are raw and natural...they contain fruit and nuts... very good pick me up and just plain healthy! Cliff bars are similar...Organic, clean eating, great fiber/carb/protein ratio

I wonder if means more of the store brand more processed types? I know I've gotten Fiber One bars a few times but was shocked to see just how little protein they actually have in them. They have plenty of carbs and the added fiber...but protein? whew...not much. Especially if you're using them for before or after workouts.

So for healthier choices the Luna, Cliffs...oh you'll hear from others on other healthy types that aren't like the Special K ones etc. I imagine. Not trying to pick on any one company (just ones that are coming to mind) but if I see sugar, corn syrup, palm kernel oil or whatever that's called...I try and stay away...:sick:

Check the healthy food stores for the ones I mentioned or even Wally World now has Cliff bars in a box for a GREAT price!! I've tried several flavors but stick to the oatmeal raison now....just seem heartier without the candy bar feel. Just something about eating a bar called brownie nut double fudge doesn't give me a good feeling if it says it's a protein bar. For the same cals I'd eat a snickers! LOL Cept I've lost my craving for the junk food so I'd go for a Cliff bar anytime! I know they have a website!:drinker:

Great article btw...thanks for taking time to share it!!!:bigsmile:

Elizabeth

I love the Luna and Cliff bars and I use those as "candy bars". I don't find them filling our satisfying in a meal sort of way but a much healthier choice over a Snickers, although Snickers will forever hold a special place in my heart! :grumble:

I guess I tend to use them more for a before or after workout boost.:drinker: :happy:

FC