I am currently on one of my many sporadic health kicks and so I have been paying very close attention to the nutrition facts of just about everything I eat. And if there's anything I've realized, it's how easy it is eating a ton of calories. Many of the "healthy" things you eat when you're on a diet in actuality could be just as bad for you as McDonald's is. It's definitely important to watch what you eat and how much you eat when you're on a diet.
There are a lot of deceiving foods out there, and here are just a few...
1. Salads
The minute you hear the word "salad" you automatically think it's healthy. Salads are a go-to for dieting with everyone. But in reality, salads can be just as unhealthy as a cheeseburger. When you pile on cheeses, meats, pastas, nuts, and dressings onto a salad, the calories just pile up. Salad bars are actually the worst. Next time you're trying to eat healthy and get a salad, choose no cheese (or very little), a ton of veggies/fruits, and balsamic and olive oil instead of dressing. It tastes just as good and your body will thank you.
2. Wraps
Whenever I'm dieting I always go for wraps rather than sandwiches. Typically wraps are less calories than bread so they are always an immediate go-to. However, wraps can be so unhealthy. If I get a wrap I always ask for light mayo and turkey or ham, all other meats are surprisingly high in calories. And I always, always pile on the veggies.
3. Starbucks
Starbucks can be so deceiving. With their advertising for almond milk and various teas, it's easy to be fooled that your drink is super healthy. But if you actually look into it, a Starbucks coffee can total up to over 400 calories. I always ask for my iced teas and lemonades lightly sweetened and my coffee with almond or soy milk— the calories are much lower.
4. Sushi
I always used to think that sushi was healthy. I mean its rice, vegetables, fish, and seaweed— how could that be bad for you?! Wrong. Just recently I googled the calories of a spicy salmon roll and it totaled up to a whopping 300. Multiply that times three and you're eating 900 calories. Sushi is deceiving.
5. Juice
You might think that since juice is just fruit it's automatically good for you. But really, if you look at the calories of a Naked juice, apple juice, orange juice, or really anything, you'll be shocked at how high the calories and sugar are. Always opt for water.
6. Trail Mix
Nuts are one of the best and worst things for you. It's so easy to sit and eat nuts for an hour without even realizing it. But the serving size for nuts are generally around 1/4 cup. That's about one handful. Add the other toppings that come with trail mix, from chocolate and raisins to yogurt pieces and dried mango, and the calories add up. Always pay attention to the serving size.
7. Cereal
I used to think Cheerios were a healthy alternative to Lucky Charms and other sugar filled cereals until I realized the nutrition facts are basically the same. Cereal often has false advertising to lead you to believe that what you are eating is healthy and nutritious when in reality is just the opposite. Make sure you always check the nutrition facts when you are trying to eat healthy.
