1. Creamy Salad Dressing
This food item can sometimes sneak up on people with its slightly more negative health effects, as it's associated with healthier foods like vegetables and fresh salads. However, many creamy salad dressings can include fattening ingredients that can trigger high cholesterol levels, no matter what they're poured over.
"Creamy salad dressings such as Thousand Island and Ranch typically contain added sugar, sodium, and oils," says dietitian Kathleen Benson, CSSD, CPT, RDN at VNutrition. "While they can enhance flavor and satisfaction, heavy use may contribute to inflammation and less favorable cholesterol-related labs."
2. Italian Sausage
This food might seem surprising, as sausages, like Italian, chicken, and more, are being used in lots of popular dishes. However, sausage made from fatty pork is often packed with unhealthy fats and can do some damage to your heart health when consumed frequently.
"Despite my Italian heritage, I have to throw sausage under the bus," says registered dietitian Lisa Andrews, MEd, RD, LD, who notes that sausages are typically made from "fatty scraps" of pork or beef. "These are usually high-fat, low-quality cuts of protein with little meat left in the mix."
3. Mayonnaise
Mayo is one of the world's most favorite condiments, as it can be super versatile and take sandwiches, deli salads, hamburgers, and more to the next level. However, it tends to be a sneaky food product, as even if you think just using a small amount of it wouldn't hurt, frequently consuming it on sandwiches at lunch, in recipes, dressings, and more, makes it more harmful.
"Mayonnaise is a condiment made with oils high in omega-6 fatty acids," adds Benson. "Omega-6 fats are not inherently bad, and we do need some. However, when consumed in large amounts, especially with a low intake of omega-3s, this may promote inflammation and negatively impact cholesterol levels over time. The calorie-dense nature of mayonnaise can make it easy to unintentionally overconsume calories as well."
4. Frozen Pot Pies & Premade Meals
The frozen food section at the grocery store can be super condescending and confusing, as there are many brands that will claim their premade meals, like pot pies, are made with wholesome, nutritious ingredients like vegetables. However, that doesn't make up for the other things found in them.
"The crust often contains shortening or hydrogenated oils, which contribute to clogged arteries, and the high sodium content elevates blood pressure," says cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Semitha, MSSB, MS, who suggests swapping frozen foods or pot pies for a homemade chicken and vegetable stew using low-sodium broth that's "just as hearty but without the heart strain."