When browsing the local grocery store, it can be easy to slip tasty-looking convenience items and treats into your cart. While many nutritious and healthy choices abound, there are also many tempting foods that are not only lacking in nutrition but may also be harmful to your health. The following are 11 unhealthy foods you should never consume, along with suggestions for healthier options that will treat your taste buds and nourish your body.
Salty, crunchy potato chips may taste great, but the pleasure they give is short-lived. Furthermore, potato chips contain salt, fat, and calories with no nutritional value to redeem them. Pretzels may seem like a healthier choice, but these crunchy morsels are made of refined white flour and plenty of salt, which can add pounds to your middle and raise your blood pressure. If you find yourself with a hankering for crispy, crunchy goodness, better options are low-salt veggie chips, whole grain crackers, or plain air-popped popcorn. Better yet, give a crisp stalk of celery or nutrient-packed baby carrots a try.
While a bubbly cola may hit the spot on a hot day, these beverages are laden with sugar and caffeine with no nutritive benefits. According to University Health News, sodas contribute to the development of fat around the liver. Sodas also cause an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Sodas can also contribute to osteoporosis by either replacing calcium-rich beverages like milk or leaching calcium from bones. Sugar-free sodas are no better with their artificial chemical flavorings. Furthermore, studies suggest that even sugar-free sodas can cause weight gain. Keep your body refreshed and invigorated with plain or sparkling water instead of sodas.