Are These Foods Good for You?
By Sara Butler
There are a lot of foods out there considered to be healthy when, in reality, they are anything but. Finding out one of your food choices isn't as good for you as you thought can be a bummer, but it's better to know that a staple in your diet needs to cut back than to wonder why you're not as healthy as you think you are. Here are some foods that should be taken out of healthy rotation and a few foods you can swap them out for!
Trail Mix
What could be wrong with nuts and fruit? Well, it's the nuts and fruit.
Nuts and dried fruit are very high in calories and fat. While they may be a great snack when you're actually out on a trail burning calories, they're not a great choice for sitting on your couch and watching some Netflix.
If you love your trail mix and aren't ready to say goodbye, then there is an alternative. You can make your own, healthier version with seeds, nuts, and smart dried fruit choices from the bulk section at your local store. Stay away from anything candy-coated or deep fried (like banana chips) and you should be just fine.
Agave Nectar
Everyone knows that sugar is something you should work hard to cut down on in your diet. You may think you're being smart by using agave nectar instead of white sugar, but there's bad news: Agave nectar is not the healthy swap you think it is. It's higher in fructose than high-fructose corn syrup and can have a dramatic impact on your blood sugar.
If you want to go more natural to sweeten foods, then try maple syrup (the real stuff, not the maple-flavored stuff) or raw honey. Honey, at the very least, has antioxidants and amino acids that can contribute to better health.
Brown Rice
A lot of people have switched out their brown rice for white rice, thinking they're making the better choice. Unfortunately, that may not be the case. Brown rice may be high in some nutrients but it's also high in phytic acid, which binds to minerals and doesn't allow your body to absorb them.
A better option than brown rice is quinoa or you can get creative and try riced cauliflower.
If you're unsure about your food choices, then talk to the chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic for guidance.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Downey, Calif.