Ketchup
While some people believe that ketchup is simply tomato paste, this couldn't be further from the truth. In fact, ketchup contains roughly 1 teaspoon of sugar for every 1 tablespoon of sauce! In other words, when you coat your food in it, you are basically just adding a layer of sugar - with some tomato flavoring.
Breakfast Cereals
Most people are starting to realize just how bad sugary cereals are for their health. With that being said, not many know that even cereals advertised as 'healthy' or 'whole grain' contain high amounts of sugar. Not only does this lead to weight gain, but having sugar for breakfast is likely to leave you with depleted energy throughout the day.
Flavored Yogurt
Many people consider yogurt a healthy snacking option. In reality, even a single cup of flavored yogurt can have as much sugar as your favorite desserts. Greek yogurt is a much healthier option, as it contains reduced fat and sugar.
Granola and Protein Bars
For many, granola and protein bars are the ideal snacking option, as they are advertised as healthy and, in most cases, still taste really good. In reality, these bars are made sugary syrups or other sweetener alternatives. As a result, they are packed full of calories and, if artificial sweeteners are used, can lead to other serious health risks.
Salad Dressings
Salads are arguably the poster meal of a healthy diet. After all, lettuce and other vegetables are known for having few calories. Salad dressings, on the other hand, are not. In fact, they are packed full of sweeteners and fatty oils, all to add some sort of flavor to an otherwise bland meal.
Breads and Baked Goods
Bread is the go-to when there is nothing else to eat in the house. While some whole-wheat options are okay, most bread varieties are packed full of sugar. Baked goods are also extremely high in calories and carbohydrates, meaning that they will aid in rapid weight gain if eaten in abundance.
Canned Soups and Sauces
While you may think that canned soups and sauces are healthy, they actually contain more sugar that fresh alternatives. More so, corn syrup, which is notorious for its high calorie count, is often a hidden ingredient. So, the next time you reach for a canned product over something fresh, you may want to think again.
Packaged Fruit Products
Fruit is an integral part of any well-balanced diet. However, packaged fruit products (including many baby foods) definitely shouldn't be an alternative to fresh fruit. Fruit snacks are often packed full of sugar in order to achieve a sweet and adicting taste. Canned fruit, for example, is stored in a sugary syup that outweighs any health benefits from the fruit itself.
Energy and Sports Drinks
By now, we all know just how bad sports and energy drinks are for our health. Just because it has the word 'sports' in it, doesn't make it good for you. These drinks contain incredibly high levels of sugar, as they are designed to provide people with quick energy before or during exercise.
Smoothies
While there is nothing wrong with making yourself a fresh smoothie at home, store-bought options definitely aren't as good. Most are made using sugary fruit syrups or juice concentrates, as fresh ingredients are much more expensive. Because of this, they are much higher in calories and will leave you with an energy low just a few hours after drinking it.
Nut Butters
Nut butters are often advertised as a health food. In reality, they contain high levels of sugar in order to make up for what would otherwise be a bland taste. Peanut butter, for example, can contain up to half a tablespoon of sugar for every tablespoon of butter!
Instant Oatmeal
Have you every wondered why instant oatmeal tastes so much better than regular oats? The answer is pretty simple. It's because the instant version is packed full of sugar, sweeteners are artificial flavors. While this does improve on the flavor and texture, it also means more calories.
Coffee Drinks
While a plain cup of black coffee contains very few calories, those fancy and over-the-top Starbucks drinks definitely contain their fair share. In fact, a frappe can contain enough sugar and calories to make up for an entire meal! Even soda contains less sugar and that's saying something.
Plant-Based Milks
Plant-based milks, such as almond or soy milk, are usually advertised as the healthier alternative to regular cows milk. However, this simply isn't the case a lot of the time. Many brands contain high levels of sugar in order to make up for the otherwise bland taste.
Canned Baked Beans
Baked beans are often considered the perfect healthy and budget-friendly food choice. With that being said, the beans are coated in a sugary tomato-based sauce, which is extremely high in calories. While there is nothing wrong with having a can every now and again, baked beans definitely shouldn't be a staple meal.
Frozen Meals
While there is no denying that frozen meals are extremely convenient, it's important to note that they definitely aren't a healthy alternative. Most frzoen meals are made using sauces and marinades that are packed full of sugar and calories. As a result, eating them too frequently will likely lead to rapid weight gain, as well as a deficiency in fresh fruit and vegetables.
Dried Fruit
Dried fruit is yet another food that may seem healthy, but actually misses the mark. It is often coated in a sugary glaze or syrup in order to keep it fresh for longer. While dried fruit may taste good, it definitely shouldn't be a staple snack option.
Alcohol Mixers
Many people choose to dilute their alcohol with mixers, believing that it makes the drink that little bit healthier. However, tonic water, margarita mix and flavored spirits are extremely high in sugar, adding even more calories.
Gluten-Free Products
Gluten-free products don't contain any sort of processed or refined ingredients. However, to make up for the difference in taste, many brands throw in a whole bunch of natural sweeteners, such as molasses. This makes it high in calories, despite the reputation that gluten-free food has gotten for being healthy.
Natural Juices
Fruit juice is usually considered healthy - especially natural options. In reality, these drinks contain incredibly high levels of sugar and, therefore, calories. While there is nothing wrong with having a glass a day, these juices definitely shouldn't be all you drink. They will not only lead to weight gain, but the sugar will also cause energy spikes and lows throughout the day.
