Eating healthy and finally deciding to take charge of your health and fitness is a great step in achieving the fountain of youth and quality of life! It’s a fact! People who are fitter and healthier are happier! A quality diet is essential for good health, but as s novice jumping into this so-called healthy food world, you can easily be fooled. Just jumping into the world of “diet” food conjures up feelings and thoughts of negativity. My mother use to think that whenever she had to drop some pounds, she would have to eat grapefruit, cottage cheese, and lettuce for all of her meals. Doing is surely a way to set yourself up for failure in the long run. That’s not a normal daily diet, and is a quick temporary fix.
Be careful about the so-called diet healthy food. Companies know how to fool their consumers with just a play on words. Check out some of the common words that easily fools someone into reaching for this so-called healthier version:
- Fat Free
- Reduced Fat
- Low Fat
- Sugar Free
- No Added Sugar
- Diet
We easily can believe that these foods in this category are healthier and the version we should choose, right? This is an easy mistake to make.
Typically, those words cover up the real story of what is hidden: Full of Sugar, Chemicals, High Carbs, High glycemic index….I could go on!
Think about candy. Isn’t sugary candy like starbursts, lollypops, jellybeans etc fat free? Why yes! But it’s loaded with artificial ingredients and sugar!
Check out some of the so-called diet good for you items that we so easily get wrapped up in using:
1) Diet Soda – Fewer calories and sugar yes, but research has shown that dieters actually gain weight when drinking this for long periods of time.
2) Smoothies – If you can blend it, it must be good for you, right? Wrong! How many calories are in that smoothie? Sometimes you choose items to add that have high levels of sugar, fat, and calories. It all adds up!
3) Pre-Packaged Frozen Diet meals – Easy for you to heat and eat, but loaded with sodium! These types of foods need artificial preservatives, that’s why they are in long term freezer storage!
4) Yogurt! Most common choice of yogurt is loaded with calories, sugar, and fruit!
5) Popcorn! – What? Popcorn is in the category? Most often times people pop the 3 or more serving bags, and then eat it all! They are loaded with calories, sodium, and preservatives. Stay clear.
General rule of thumb is to choose fresh foods with limited processing. If you stay simple with your food choices, you will get greater healthier results. Stick to lean meats cooked grilled, baked, or broiled. Fresh vegetables and fruits. And always remember to keep an eye on serving and portion sizes.