6. Diet soda
Here’s the problem with diet soda: it contains tons of artificial sweeteners, which tricks your body into thinking it’s consuming real food.
Essentially this means empty calories and high sugar intake aka not worth the trouble. Instead, try our ideas for healthy drink alternatives.
7. Microwave Popcorn
Dr. Oz said even people who make it frequently can develop lung problems.
Another problem is PFOA, a chemical that lines the bag. Dr. Oz said that 20 percent of this chemical in our bodies comes from microwave popcorn. It can cause thyroid issues, high cholesterol and bladder cancer.
8. Microwave Mac & Cheese
Yes, it’s easy and yes it tastes a little bit like cheese, but it has 22 ingredients.
Yes, 22! “Easy” Mac Cheese Sauce Mix includes Whey, Maltodextrin, Corn Syrup Solids, Palm Oil, Modified Food Starch, Milkfat, Salt, Milk Protein Concentrate, Medium Chain Triglyceride, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Citric Acid, Sodium Phosphate, Lactic Acid, Calcium Phosphate, Guar Gum, Monosodium Glutamate, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Artificial Flavor, Cheese Culture, Enzymes.
It also includes natural flavors – There are thousands of chemicals that are allowed by the FDA with little to no review under the category “natural flavors.” These can come from anything that is from nature, including beaver anal glands and other mysterious “proprietary” sources. This is an ingredient I avoid, because what it’s really made from is never fully disclosed – and I like to know what I’m eating.
9. Protein Bars
While you’re looking at the high sugar count of protein bars, also review the ingredient list. There are some bars that have only four to five ingredients like almonds, whey protein, etc. — those are good to go. On the other hand, there are very popular brands of bars which have more than 56 different ingredients! Lesson here: read the labels.
10. Rice cakes
Surprised to find rice cakes on this list? Turns out most rice cakes can have a glycemic index as high as 91, which is basically close to pure glucose at 100. Your brain is tricked and tells your pancreas to secrete insulin. Your body performs its best when your blood sugar level is constant, so you’re essentially throwing it off by chewing on these deceptively low-cal snacks.