When you’re at the grocery store, you’re likely flooded with recommendations for foods that are marketed as super ‘healthy’ and great for weight loss and gut health. However, with those foods, everything isn’t often what it seems.
As it turns out, a lot of companies and health food brands can get away with marketing their items as super healthy and natural, while hiding some additives and more inside of them. Plus, when there are famous influencers pushing them on their audience, it gets a little harder to figure out precisely what you should and shouldn’t be buying for your health. But don’t stress, because a registered dietitian and popular content creator, Abbey Sharp, is here to “de-influence” you and point out four foods “that aren’t as ‘healthy’ as you think” in one of her TikTok videos. Read more about them below.
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1. Veggie Chips
Veggie chips tend to look like an awesome choice for a snack at the grocery store, as many brands market them to make you believe that there's a serving of healthy vegetables hidden inside them. However, Abbey is here to remind you that "veggie chips are not a replacement for vegetables."
"They're basically just chips with a hint of vegetable powder for color," she says. "If you want chips, eat chips, but if you want a carrot, eat your veg."
If you like chips, it's probably a better idea to enjoy a serving of them occasionally alongside a balanced diet that's full of real vegetables, versus chips that have you thinking they contain all the beneficial properties of vegetables but don't. Go ahead and add a bag of chips to your cart, but don't forget to also stock up on some fresh veggies to eat alongside them.
2. Organic Foods
Over the last few years, people have been pushing organic foods, from produce to premade snacks, claiming that they're better for your health and don't contain any harmful additives like pesticides. However, Abbey believes trying to eat all organic isn't only unnecessary, but that the sudden push for it is a bit ridiculous, as it would take a while lot of pesticides to take you down.
"Organic food isn't necessarily safer or healthier than conventional," she says. "You would literally die from micronutrient toxicity if you got anywhere close to the max limit for pesticide residues on these foods."
Trying to buy all organic fruits, vegetables, dairy, and processed foods can make a big impact on your wallet, but not that much of a difference to your health. Hey, if you can afford it, go for it, but don't guilt-trip yourself for not being able to purchase organic items for you or your family frequently.
3. Green Juice
Green juices, especially the ones that look really pretty and expensive in the grocery store, can do a really good job at convincing us that they're a healthy beverage that can solve a lot of ailments and get us all the nutrients we need in one drink. However, that isn't always the case, as many green juice brands pack in extra sugar and ingredients that cancel out the benefits. Plus, it's still not as effective as eating vegetables in your diet.
"Green juice is a great source of hydration, vitamins, and minerals," Abbey explains. "But, it's been stripped of its arguably most important component - its fiber. So, add your veg to a smoothie or eat it whole."
By all means, if you want a green juice that's made with no added sugar every now and then, go for it. But, just remember that you're likely spending more money on a product that's not as powerful as the real thing.
4. Gluten-Free Bread
Gluten-free bread products are a gift to those who have to deal with celiac disease or have a gluten sensitivity. It allows them to eat everyday foods and still get some tasty carbs in. Somehow, over the years, people who don't have a sensitivity to gluten have gotten under the impression that it's bad for you, which isn't true. Therefore, they'll push gluten-free bread instead of regular, even if you don't have an allergy.
"Unless you're celiac or gluten intolerant, you can probably skip the gluten-free bread," says Abbey.
"It's typically lower in protein and fiber, and twice the price. Remember, healthy eating is simpler than you think. Don't let social media overcomplicate it."
