College is a time for growing up, right? We learn more about ourselves, more about the world around us and hopefully grow as individuals in a good way. With that said, some of us are still stuck in college when it comes to eating.
It’s time to grow up , people. (yes, we’re talking to you).
Here are the foods that you should stop eating as soon as you got your diploma or you left school, started paying on your loans, etc.
1. Flavored yogurt
That good tasting yogurt that’s supposed to be good for you too? Yep! Many store brands of yogurt are full of sugar. The “fruit on the bottom” isn’t good for you — opt for greek yogurt instead and then add in your own fresh fruit.
2. American cheese
I hate to break it to you, but it’s not “real” cheese. You can’t muster up the energy to consume an entire meal, so you open up the mini fridge and spot a package of these processed dairy delectables.
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3. Orange juice
We all love brunch and mistakenly believe orange juice cures the common cold, but as it turns out, our favorite “go-to” healthy drink is not what it seems. Popular orange juice brands have 33 grams of sugar, close to Coca Cola’s 40 grams in a 12 oz serving. You’re better off getting fresh squeezed and washing it down with water.
4. Ramen Noodles
Yes, these little packets we used to call “dinner”, some of y’all need to let go. There are a number of people who admit to still buying these either in the cup of soup form or the noodle packets.
5. Canned soup
Sure it’s convenient, but it’s also high in sodium, which translates to higher blood pressure. When you’re an athlete, you want your body to be running at its prime — which means no foods that can hinder your performance.
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.