We are all leading hectic life. in fact, it has become normal, but very difficult for people to remember to eat healthy foods. Some of the foods we eat on a daily basis are unhealthy for our bodies and can cause us to become diseased.
The food that people eat must provide fuel for their bodies, which allows them to get through each day. Taking in poor-quality food can result in lower energy levels. People must learn what the foods to eat are in order to gain enough nutrition without overloading their bodies with junk.
People’s lives do not allow them time for exercise when they get home from work or school. Many people try to make up for this lack of activity by eating fast food, which is full of calories and does not provide any nutritional value.
A single meal from a fast-food restaurant is full of fat and sugar, which can make people feel great when they eat it but will lead to sluggishness shortly after that. Many people struggle in the morning because they wake up and do not allow their bodies enough time to burn off all the junk food that they ate the day before.
The foods that are healthy for people are fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and water. When people start eating these types of food regularly, they will feel more energized during their busy days and won’t have to worry about feeling sluggish later in the day.
People should try to eat organic foods as much as possible and should avoid foods that contain any unnecessary chemicals and preservatives.
Moreover, eating organic foods will limit the number of toxins people put in their bodies, which is good for those who want to stay healthy and prevent diseases such as cancer or heart disease.
Here are 20 foods you will never buy again after knowing how they are made.
1. Hot dogs
Hot dogs are not just frankfurters and water like many people think. The truth is hot dogs include a lot of meat by-products and other unsavory items you would never dream of putting in your mouth. If you buy hot dogs, make sure they say “all beef” or at least have some real meat listed as an ingredient.
2. Cereal
Although not as bad as hot dogs, most cereals are chock full of refined sugar and processed grains that will wreak havoc on your blood sugar levels, not to mention your digestive system after all that grain passes through it. Find a cereal with little or no sugar that is made from whole grains like oats or wheat.
3. Chewing gum
Chewing gum is tough to avoid, but its ingredients are questionable at best. Believe it or not, chewing gum can contain artificial sweeteners like aspartame or high fructose corn syrup. It also contains synthetic rubber and other chemicals for texture and flavor. Make chewing gum a sometimes food if you can’t give it up completely.
4. Frozen pizza
Frozen pizzas are usually loaded with preservatives, artificial ingredients, and cheap fats. The cheese is also loaded with chemicals to make sure it melts properly. Your best bet for a frozen pizza is one that uses organic whole-wheat crusts and organic cheeses. Use sparingly if you must have this convenience food.
5. Salad dressings
Salad dressings are usually full of sugars, unhealthy oils, and chemicals you wouldn’t want to ingest. The best bet is to whip up your own dressing with olive oil, vinegar, and a few natural sweeteners like stevia or erythritol. Olive oil has been shown to be one of the healthiest oils for your heart.
6. Pasta
You would think a simple bowl of noodles is a light and healthy meal, but in most cases, it is far from it. Most pasta has been refined to the point where it doesn’t resemble whole wheat at all anymore. Instead, you are getting empty carbohydrates with little nutritional value that spike your blood sugar levels. If you must have pasta, try whole wheat or quinoa pasta to get some extra nutrients in your diet.
7. Canned soups
The convenience of canned soups is unbeatable, but they are also packed with salt and other chemicals for flavor. Many organic brands make decent soups though that taste great and are good for you. Try making your own soup at home so you know what is in it.
8. Ketchup
Although this seems like a harmless condiment, the truth is most brands of ketchup contain high fructose corn syrup and other additives to make them taste better and last longer on the shelf. If you buy ketchup make sure it is made with real sugar or honey.
9. Candy
Most candy is made with cheap ingredients like sugar, corn syrup and soy. It also contains artificial flavors and coloring to make it more visually appealing. Try making your own healthier version of candy at home using dates or other dried fruits that are naturally sweet.
10. Bottled water
Although bottled water seems like a good idea because you can take it anywhere and it is convenient, the truth is most bottled water comes in plastic bottles that are harmful to the environment and to your health. Even worse, some companies bottle tap water that has been filtered and then sold back to you at a premium price! You are better off buying a quality glass or stainless steel container and using that for your water needs instead of buying bottled water.
11. Energy drinks
Energy drinks are full of cheap caffeine and high fructose corn syrup. They also contain chemicals like taurine that have been shown to be harmful to your health in the long run. If you feel the need for an energy boost, stick with green tea or black coffee instead. A small amount of caffeine is a much healthier way to give you a short burst of energy.
12. Presliced fruit
Fruit that has been pre-sliced and put in plastic containers is coated with a wax called polyethylene to make it look shiny and last longer on the shelves. Unfortunately, this wax is indigestible and just passes through your digestive system. Make sure to buy whole fruit and slice it yourself for the best results.
13. Deli meat
Deli meats are not only full of nitrates but are also processed at extremely high temperatures to make them last longer on the shelves. These kinds of processing methods can create harmful chemicals called heterocyclic amines that have been linked to cancer. Instead, choose organic deli meats or make your own at home so you know what’s in them.
14. Butter
While butter is nutritious, most brands of butter are loaded with chemicals like artificial colors and flavors to make it look better and taste like real butter. If you can find organic butter that is made from grass-fed cows it is better to use. If you are worried about the saturated fat content then try using coconut oil because it has many benefits for your health.
15. Breakfast cereal
Breakfast cereals are packed with sugar, artificial colors, and flavors to make them appealing to kids. Instead, opt for protein shakes or healthy homemade smoothies that you can customize to your liking.
16. Pasta sauce
Pasta sauces are full of all kinds of additives, artificial flavors, and even sugar or high fructose corn syrup. This is an easy thing to make at home so you know what’s in it and how it has been prepared.
17. Flavored yogurt
Yogurt is a great source of protein, calcium, and probiotics when it is made with whole milk. Unfortunately, many brands contain skim milk and lots of sugar so they taste better. Try making your own yogurt at home using full-fat coconut or almond milk instead.
18. Hamburger helper
This mix of ingredients does not look as appetizing as the picture on the box. Hamburger helper is full of processed foods and preservatives to make it last, taste better and be more visually appealing to kids. Instead make a healthier version at home with whole grains, organic ground beef, and real vegetables.
19. Pre-shredded cheese
Cheese is a healthy source of calcium, protein, and fat when eaten in moderation. Unfortunately, most brands of pre-shredded cheese contain non-food chemicals like cellulose to prevent it from clumping together. These non-food chemicals can make you feel bloated or constipated so stick with buying full-fat block cheese and shredding it yourself for the best results.
20. Bottled orange juice
Did you know that many brands of orange juice are actually just water, lots of sugar, and added colors to make them look orange? Instead, opt for fresh-squeezed orange juice or just squeeze the oranges yourself at home.