.webp "9 'Healthy' Foods With Way More Sugar Than You Think") |
Are you trying to eat healthy, only to be tricked by sneaky sugar-loaded foods? Relax, you're not by yourself. Many seemingly healthy foods are secretly hiding excessive amounts of added sugars. Let's dive into these sugar-laden culprits and uncover the truth behind their "healthy" façade. 🕵️♂️ |
1. Canned Soup: A Sweet Surprise
Looking for a quick and nutritious lunch? Beware of canned soups! While they are known for their savory flavors, they often contain an unexpected amount of sugar.
Take Campbell's Condensed Tomato Soup, for instance, boasting a whopping 8 grams of added sugar per serving (just half a cup!).
That means a single can of soup can fill your bowl with 20 grams of sugar! 😱
Instead, opt for soups that offer a minimum of 10 grams of protein, 3 grams of fiber, and zero added sugar.
Keep an eye on the sodium content if you have specific health concerns. 🥣
2. Granola Bars: A Sweet Snack Trap
Granola bars, the go-to snack for both kids and adults, may not be as healthy as they seem.
Store-bought bars often contain surprisingly high levels of added sugar.
For example, Nature Valley Oats and Honey Granola Bars pack a punch with 11 grams of added sugar.
To make matters worse, they only provide 2 grams of fiber and 3 grams of protein, making them a less nutritious choice. When shopping for bars, aim for at least 3 grams of fiber and fewer than 5 grams of added sugar. Remember, the lower, the better! 🌾
3. Instant Oatmeal: A Sugar-Coated Breakfast
Oatmeal itself is a fantastic breakfast option, rich in fiber and even a few grams of protein.
However, flavored instant oatmeals often come with an unhealthy dose of added sugars.
Take Quaker Oats' Cinnamon & Spiced Oatmeal, for example, which contains a staggering 10 grams of added sugar.
Surprisingly, sugar is listed as the second ingredient, right after oats! Instead, consider Quaker's line of lower-sugar instant oatmeal, which offers 35% less added sugar than traditional flavors. 🥣
4. Low-Fat Yogurt: Not So Innocent
You may think that opting for low-fat yogurt is a wise choice, but hold on! Many low-fat options compensate for the reduced fat content by adding more sugar.
Let's take Yoplait's blueberry-flavored yogurt, for instance.
It may only contain 1.5 grams of fat, but it sneaks in a whopping 13 grams of added sugar, bringing the calorie count of a 6-ounce container to 140! Instead, choose Greek yogurt or similar varieties with high protein content and fewer than 5 grams of added sugar.
Your taste buds and waistline will thank you! 🥛
5. Whole-Grain Cereal: The Sugar-Coated Crunch
Cereal can be a quick and easy breakfast option, but don't fall into the sugar trap! Even seemingly healthier whole-grain cereals can be loaded with added sugars.
Raisin Bran's whole-grain option, for example, adds 9 grams of sugar per serving.
If you happen to pour more than a cup, the sugar content of your morning meal can skyrocket.
Look for unflavored cereals with minimal to no added sugar and compare the sugar content across different brands.
Your breakfast bowl deserves better! 🥣
6. Gluten-Free Cookies: A Sweet Swap?
Gluten-free products gained popularity over the years, with many people opting for them due to allergies or the perception of improved healthiness.
However, gluten-free cookies can be just as sugary as their regular counterparts.
Simple Mills' Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies, for instance, may be free of gluten, non-GMO, and grain-free, but they still contain 7 grams of added sugar per serving.
Remember, most cookies will contain some sugar, so be mindful of the labels and limit your portions to keep the added sugar at bay. 🍪
7. Protein Bars: The Sweet Temptation
Protein bars often find their way into our diets as a quick meal replacement or snack.
While they may seem like a healthier choice, many options come with a significant amount of added sugar.
Take Gatorade's protein bars, for example, which pack a staggering 28 grams of added sugar per bar! Yes, they offer 20 grams of protein, but with the abundance of protein bars available, you can find options with lower sugar content.
To make a wiser choice, compare labels in the store and aim for at least 10 grams of protein, 3 grams of fiber, and fewer than 5 grams ofadded sugar per serving. 💪
8. Smoothies: The Sugar-Spiked Beverage
Smoothies can be a refreshing and nutritious option, but be cautious when ordering from smoothie shops or purchasing pre-packaged options.
Many smoothies contain added sugars in the form of fruit juice, sweetened yogurt, or flavored syrups.
For example, a medium-sized fruit smoothie can easily contain 40 grams or more of sugar! If you enjoy smoothies, consider making them at home using whole fruits, unsweetened yogurt or milk, and adding natural sweeteners like honey or a small amount of maple syrup.
This way, you can control the sugar content and enjoy a healthier version. 🍓
9. Salad Dressings: A Hidden Sweetness
Salads are a great way to incorporate vegetables into your diet, but be cautious with the dressings you choose.
Some salad dressings, particularly the creamy or fruity ones, can be loaded with added sugars.
A popular brand's raspberry vinaigrette, for instance, can contain around 5 grams of added sugar per tablespoon.
To keep your salads healthy, opt for homemade dressings using simple ingredients like olive oil, vinegar, and herbs.
If you prefer store-bought dressings, read the labels carefully and choose options with minimal added sugars or opt for oil and vinegar-based dressings. 🥗
When aiming for a healthy diet, it's crucial to pay attention to the hidden sugars in seemingly healthy foods.
Always read the nutrition labels, compare different brands, and focus on whole foods with minimal processing.
By making informed choices, you can enjoy a balanced and nutritious diet while keeping your sugar intake in check. 🌱