You ditched fast food and now you’re shopping in the health food section. But just how good are you really eating? There are many foods in the health food section that aren’t exactly healthy. An organic, wheat free donut is still a donut. Undercover junk foods are out there hiding behind healthy guises, including these four health food fakers.
GRANOLA
It sounds healthy. But in reality, most granolas are not so good for you, especially if you’re watching your calories and sugar.Granola is a mixture of oats, grains, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit that is baked in honey, rice syrup, or maple syrup. The dried fruits and syrups are loaded with sugar. The label says 140 calories, 24 grams carbs, 5 grams from sugar—not so bad until you see that the servingsize is ¼ cup. Get your measuring cup out because that’s pretty small. Hungry athletes can easily eat 1 cup, which equates to 560 calories, 96 grams from carbs, and 20 grams from sugar. Instead, choose slow cooked oats or whole grain oat or brown rice cereal.
SOY
Soy has been touted as a great source of protein for years. However, it’s also been shown to negatively affect hormones and thyroid (metabolism controller). Soy products—such as soy milk and tofu—contain phytoestrogens and phytates, which can mimic the hormone estrogen and block mineral uptake. If you love soy, there are safer fermented soy products such as natto, tempeh, and miso that contain reduced phytoestrogen and phytate levels due to the fermentation process.
FRUITY YOGURT
Yogurt appears healthy with all its good bacteria and calcium. However, most yogurts on the market are artificially flavored and full of sugar. Instead of sugary options, choose a plain nonfat or low-fat Greek style yogurt and sweeten it with stevia or fresh berries. These higher protein yogurts (average15 grams per serving) only have a fraction of the sugar of the traditional fruit-on-the-bottom versions.
FRUIT JUICE
8 oz. of fruit juice and 8 oz. of soda have roughly the same amount of sugar. Both beverages contain approximately 27 grams of carbs, all from sugar in the soda and about 24 grams from sugar in the average orange juice. Water is usually the best alternative, but for more taste, electrolytes, and variety, try some of the newer stevia sweetened drinks, such as Gatorade G2,Vitamin Water Zero, and Ultima.
GOOD STUFF
For a drink that’s ideal for recovery because it helps replace glycogen and amino acids, choose BSN Volumaize. It enhances strength and endurance during workouts and has a cell volumising effect that helps increase muscle size. It also promotes protein synthesis.
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