5 Foods That Aren't Healthy For Your Body: Five foods that are better to avoid

We’ve all heard the saying “you are what you eat”. But, in today’s world where convenience foods are incredibly accessible and high in fat and sugar, it is easy to think that we can just indulge whenever we want. Unfortunately, this is far from the truth. Eating the wrong kinds of foods can have serious consequences on our health, including obesity, diabetes, heart disease and more. That’s why it’s important to be aware of which foods aren’t healthy for your body and should be avoided as much as possible. In this blog post, we will look at five of these common culprits that should be eaten sparingly or avoided altogether.

Processed Meats

Most processed meats are high in saturated fat and sodium, which can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. These meats also often contain added sugar and preservatives, which can contribute to weight gain and other health problems.

Some of the most common processed meats include bacon, ham, sausage, hot dogs, and lunchmeat. If you're looking for a healthier alternative to processed meats, opt for leaner cuts of meat that are grilled or baked instead of fried. You can also look for products that are lower in sodium and added sugars.

Refined Grains

Whole grains are an important part of a healthy diet, but refined grains are not. Refined grains have been processed to remove the bran and the germ, leaving only the endosperm. This processing makes refined grains less nutritious than whole grains.

Refined grains are found in many common foods, such as white bread, white rice, pastries, and snacks. These foods often have added sugars, which can lead to weight gain and other health problems.

While refined grains are not as nutritious as whole grains, they can still be a part of a healthy diet if they’re consumed in moderation and paired with other nutrient-rich foods. For example, pair whole wheat bread with peanut butter or add brown rice to a vegetable stir-fry.

Added Sugar

There are a lot of foods that we eat on a daily basis that contain hidden sugars. These extra sweeteners can be detrimental to our health, leading to weight gain, cavities, and other health problems. Here are five foods that you should avoid if you're looking to cut down on your sugar intake:

1. Breakfast cereals: Most breakfast cereals are loaded with sugar, making them a less than ideal way to start your day. If you're looking for a healthier cereal option, choose one that is made with whole grains and has little to no added sugar.

2. Fruit juices and smoothies: While fruit juices and smoothies can be a good source of vitamins and minerals, they also tend to be high in sugar. If you're looking to reduce your sugar intake, opt for water or unsweetened green tea instead.

3. Baked goods: Cookies, cakes, pies, pastries... all of these delicious baked goods are loaded with sugar. If you have a sweet tooth, try satisfying your cravings with fruits or dark chocolate instead.

4. Candy: It's no surprise that candy is full of sugar - and empty calories. If you're looking for a healthier snack option, reach for some nuts or seeds instead.

5. Ice cream: Ice cream is another food that is high in sugar and low in nutrients. If you're craving something cold and sweet, try frozen yogurt or sorbet instead.

Trans Fats

Trans fats are created when manufacturers turn liquid oils into solids. This process, called “hydrogenation,” makes food last longer on store shelves and extends its shelf life. Trans fats have no known health benefits and that there is no safe level of consumption. Eating trans fats increases your risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has banned trans fats from being added to foods, starting in January 2020. But you may still find them in some processed foods, such as:

• Margarine
• Shortening
• Some types of cooking oil
• Some commercial baked goods, such as cookies, pastries, pies, crackers, and biscuits
• Fried foods, such as doughnuts and fried chicken
• Packaged snack foods, such as chips and microwave popcorn
• Refrigerated dough products, such as frozen pizza dough, bread dough, and tortillas
• Coffee creamer
• Ready-to-use frostings
To avoid trans fats, check the ingredient list on food labels for “partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.” If the ingredient list includes these oils or any form of “hydrogenated” or “trans” fat—put the product back on the shelf.

Excessive Alcohol Consumption

When it comes to food, moderation is key. But there are some foods that are better to avoid altogether, especially if you’re trying to live a healthier lifestyle. Here are five foods that aren’t healthy for your body:

1. Excessive alcohol consumption

We all know that drinking too much alcohol can be bad for our health. It can lead to liver damage, weight gain, and increase our risk for certain cancers. If you do choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation and be sure to eat plenty of food so you don’t end up drinking on an empty stomach.

2. Refined carbohydrates

Refined carbs like white bread and pasta can cause blood sugar spikes and wreak havoc on your energy levels. Stick to complex carbs like whole grains, which are digested more slowly and won’t give you that sugar high followed by an inevitable crash.

3. Trans fats

Trans fats are found in processed foods like cookies, crackers, and chips. They’re also often used in restaurant frying oils. Trans fats increase your LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and decrease your HDL (good) cholesterol levels, which can lead to heart disease. Avoid these as much as possible by reading labels carefully and avoiding fried foods when dining out.

Conclusion

Eating a balanced diet is essential for maintaining good health, and knowing which foods to avoid can be just as important. While there are many healthy food options out there, we have listed five of the most detrimental foods you should stay away from if possible. Eating processed meats, fried foods, refined grains, sugary snacks and drinks and salty snacks can all have harmful effects on your body in the long run. Taking small steps towards better eating habits will lead to significant health improvements over time.