Stay Away from These Common Foods for Better Health
By Debra Rodzinak
When finding ways to eat healthier, turning to the experts and finding out what they avoid can be one way to change the way that food is viewed and consumed.
Hot Dogs, Bacon, and Sausages
Any foods, such as hot dogs, bacon, and sausages, that are processed and full of sodium increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and cancer. To get that smoky flavor without the negative side-effects, try using spices such as paprika and chipotle.
Coffee Drinks
The calories contained in blended coffee drinks can have over 400 calories per drink and up to 15 teaspoons of sugar. Added sugars can double the risk of heart disease. Instead, try drinking herbal teas sweetened with cinnamon to get your daily sweet tooth fix.
Margarine
If made with partially hydrogenated oils, margarine can be very bad for your health. Trans fat foods raise the bad cholesterol levels (LDL) and lower good cholesterol levels (HDL). Foods that contain trans-fat can raise the risk of heart disease. Instead, use real butter when solid fat is needed, but always use in moderation.
Processed Pastries
Preservatives, chemicals, and added sugars make popular pastries very bad for overall health. Foods that can spend weeks and months on the shelf without going bad should be avoided due to the added preservatives contained in these foods. Eating fresh foods is always better than foods that are processed.
Canned Frosting
Although tasty and convenient, canned frosting is loaded with trans fat. A disturbing fact is that even if you are reading labels, the FDA allows the labels on foods that contain trans fat to round the trans fat percent down to zero if the food contains less than 0.5 grams of trans fat per serving. Therefore, when frosting is needed, make it from scratch.
Sugary Cereals
As a rule of thumb, cereals that contain sugar usually have a small amount of fiber and will not keep you feeling full. If you must have your favorite sugary cereal, one suggestion is to mix is with another cereal that is full of fiber. Doing this will not only give you the taste of the cereal, but increase the fiber content.
By being aware of what is in the foods you eat and the types of foods to steer clear of, better and healthier food choices can be made to ensure that you are eating an overall healthier diet.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.