6. Microwave popcorn
Microwave popcorn contains perfluoroalkyls, which has been linked to impaired kidney function and poor semen quality. According to the AHA, no more than 5 to 6 percent of your daily calories should come from saturated fat. A person who eats 2,000 calories a day would be consuming 11 to 13 g of saturated fat if they add microwave popcorn to the list.
Alternative: Buy corn kernels and pop them on the stove yourself. This allows you to enjoy popcorn without all the unhealthy ingredients.
5. Dried fruit
Dried fruit have a great amount of fiber, vitamins and minerals. However, you should be careful with portion size. Just a small portion of dried fruit contains high amounts of calories and sugar. This can lead to weight gain.
Alternative: For a sweet snack, grab a bowl of frozen fruit. Its bite-sized chunks make it versatile and perfect for portion control. You can add it to cereal, smoothies or other beverages.
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4. Fruit snacks
Fruit snacks contain a very small portion of actual fruit. Instead, they are packed with high fructose corn syrup and cane sugar, which are known to increase your risk for weight gain and diabetes.
Alternative: An easy substitute for fruit snacks is real fruit, which is packed with the essential vitamins and minerals you need.
3. Margarine
Although margarine has largely been considered a healthy alternative to butter, it contains a lot of trans fats. Trans fats are unhealthier than any other fat and can increase low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or bad cholesterol leading to heart disease and stroke.
Alternative: If you are looking for something with the same consistency as margarine, try mashed avocado. You can also use nut milks and yogurts instead of margarine.
2. Instant ramen
Ramen noodles hold no nutritional value. A packet of ramen contains 14 g of fat and over 1,500 mg of sodium even before you add the flavor packet.
Alternative: Try making zucchini noodles. You can also use zucchini noodles to make any pasta for a healthier option.
1. Frozen dinners
Frozen dinners are packed with sugars, fat and sodium, which leads to weight and heart problems. Consuming too many frozen dinners can also raise your blood pressure and put you at risk of stroke.
Alternative: If you must buy frozen dinners, opt for the organic or low-sodium versions. If you have a little extra time, try recreating your own frozen meals with healthier options that you can cook and freeze for later.
Remember to enjoy everything in moderation. You should check the nutrition labels for ingredients before you purchase anything and never purchase something that contains ingredients that you are unsure of. This will prevent you from getting anything that is high in fats, sugars, and chemicals. If you need additional help, you can consult with your doctor or a dietician.