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Food

4 Shocking “Healthy” Ingredients You Should Stop Using ASAP Because They Cause Instant Weight Gain

May 20, 2020 by Hannah Kerns
shefinds | Food
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Sticking to healthy ingredients is a good way to promote weight loss. However, some ingredients have the reputation of being “healthy,” but can actually lead to health problems and weight gain.

With that in mind, keep reading for 4 “healthy” ingredients you should stop using ASAP if you want to develop a healthier diet.

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margarine

Margarine

Butter has a bad reputation, but margarine, its "healthy" alternative, can actually lead to more health problems.

 

According to Healthline, "Margarine is not food... it is an assembly of chemicals and refined oils that have been made to look and taste like food. Not surprisingly, the Framingham Heart Study showed that people who replace butter with margarine are actually more likely to die from heart disease."

granola

Granola

Granola is a popular ingredient and is often added to smoothies and yogurt as a "healthy" addition.

 

However, many granola brands are high in sugar and calories. With that in mind, relying on this ingredient as a healthy source of nutrients is not the best idea.

apple sauce

Apple Sauce

Apple sauce is a popular replacement ingredient in many recipes to make them healthier.

 

However, you should use this ingredient with caution because many brands are high in high-fructose corn syrup. Annessa Chumbley, Indianapolis-based registered dietitian and nutrition consultant for Premier Protein, tells Forbes, "This can add up to five teaspoons of sugar in each serving."

vegetable oil

Vegetable Oil

Vegetable oil is another surprising ingredient that can lead to some health problems.

 

According to Eat This, Not That!, "Partially hydrogenated vegetable oil can raise bad cholesterol and increase your risk for heart disease."

Author:

Associate Editor

Hannah Kerns pitches and writes compelling stories for SheFinds' readers. When she isn't listening to podcasts or catching up on true crime, she covers the latest in beauty, health, fashion, and celebrity news. To reach Hannah, email hannah@shefinds.com.

Woman sipping spearmint tea for wellness.
Various types of artisan bread on display.
Costco bakery showcasing fresh baked goods.
Woman holding her head in distress.
Woman experiencing joint pain discomfort.
Celebrities attending a glamorous event.
Popular fast food chains comparison image.
Woman adding sugar to aromatic coffee.
Wooden board featuring bagels, blueberries, and butter.
Cooking spray versus olive oil comparison.
Traditional Brazilian dish with rice, beans, and chicken.
Checking watch while enjoying breakfast.
Grocery store deli meats and sandwich products display.
Cooked salmon served with rice and greens.
Costco store interior showcasing various products and aisles.
Woman taking magnesium supplements for health benefits.
S'mores brownies and baked ricotta from Aldi's Emporium selection.
Grilled chicken breast with crispy fries and fresh salad.
Frozen pizzas displayed in a supermarket freezer section.
Fried fish served with crispy fries on a plate.
Woman sipping spearmint tea for wellness.
Various types of artisan bread on display.
Costco bakery showcasing fresh baked goods.
Woman holding her head in distress.
Woman experiencing joint pain discomfort.
Celebrities attending a glamorous event.
Popular fast food chains comparison image.
Woman adding sugar to aromatic coffee.
Wooden board featuring bagels, blueberries, and butter.
Cooking spray versus olive oil comparison.
Traditional Brazilian dish with rice, beans, and chicken.
Checking watch while enjoying breakfast.
Grocery store deli meats and sandwich products display.
Cooked salmon served with rice and greens.
Costco store interior showcasing various products and aisles.
Woman taking magnesium supplements for health benefits.
S'mores brownies and baked ricotta from Aldi's Emporium selection.
Grilled chicken breast with crispy fries and fresh salad.
Frozen pizzas displayed in a supermarket freezer section.
Fried fish served with crispy fries on a plate.