7 Worst Foods to Avoid
Worst Foods to Eat
There are certain health-offending foods out there that are so bad for your health that they can do some real damage, even in small quantities. While it’s true that everything is okay in moderation, you’ll be doing your body a good service by keeping some of the worst food to a bare minimum.
Chances are there are healthy food alternatives that you can introduce into your diet that you’ll actually enjoy. While you may still miss some of the offending foods, you can save them for special occasions and, instead, indulge in some healthier foods.
Here is a list of some of the top offenders…
7 Worst Foods to Avoid
(List of the Most Unhealthy Foods You Need to Stop Eating:)
1. French Fries.
French fries are everywhere. While some fast food places are currently offering alternatives to French fries, for the most part they’re still served as a standard. Potatoes can be healthy when cooked in certain ways, but you should avoid deep-fried potatoes because they’re usually fried in unhealthy industrial seed and/or vegetable oils.
If you enjoy potatoes, consider eating a baked potato or even opt to enjoy mashed potatoes instead of french fries. Also, try to have more sweet potatoes too.
2. Donuts.
Donuts can be delicious treats, but the calories and fat content add up quickly. While it’s okay to have a little treat, most people end up eating more than they should.
3. Ice Cream.
Ice cream can be a popular way to end an evening, but definitely save this treat for special occasions only. The calorie and sugar content is high and bedtime is the worst time of day to eat high calorie foods.
4. Fruit Smoothies.
Fruit smoothies made at restaurants or smoothie shops make the worst offender list because they’re a health food in disguise. Sure they are made of fresh fruit, but there is often A LOT of added sugar and/or cream in there.
They’re also often served in large portions. This means that one smoothie may even eat up all of your calories for the day. You can combat this problem by making your own smoothies where you control the ingredients.
5. Pie.
Pies are another dessert item that’s best left for a special occasion. They’re packed with extra sugar and, often, large amounts of trans fat. One slice of pecan pie can actually top the 500 calorie mark.
6. Milk Chocolate.
Milk chocolate is certainly a tough one to give up! It tastes great and can even make you feel better. However, it’s high in sugar and fat and, therefore, should be limited. If you must have chocolate, opt for dark chocolate in small quantities because it actually has the health benefit of antioxidants.
For more information on the health benefits of dark chocolate, see our article: Health Benefits of Chocolate.
7. Margarine.
While margarine was once advertised as a healthy alternative to butter, it’s actually not. Most varieties contain trans fatty acids. Data is coming in now about the severe health risks of consuming trans fats, so it is best avoided completely.
Your best bet is to use smaller quantities of butter when necessary, or opt for an alternative such as coconut oil, olive oil, or ghee.
Keep in mind that you can indulge yourself every once in awhile in these “worst foods to avoid,” but remember, moderation is key.