Everyone these days is fixated on the idea of eating ‘healthy’. No doubt this is wonderful, but in the attempt of opting for what is ‘healthy’ and what is ‘unhealthy’, we are often easily deceived. Certain restaurant dishes and supermarket items tend to contain refreshingly healthy ingredients, but a closer look reveals this is not entirely the case. Here we reveal the 9 foods that seem healthy but are not.

1. Energy Bars and Drinks

There has been a revolution in the marketing and sale of energy bars and drinks recently. They claim to revitalize your mind and body. But are they actually loaded with the vitamins, probiotics, fiber and other nutrients they boast to contain? Apparently this is not the case. Studies have revealed that they contain major amounts of sugars and artificial sweeteners, which increase vascular and metabolic syndromes. They are simply added calories and should be avoided.

2. Whole Wheat Breads

Whole wheat, multi-grain and whole-grain bread is always recommended, but they might not be as healthy as you think. Many types of bread that are labeled as such are prepared using ‘refined’ grains. This involves using grains that are subjected to bleaching and other processed which strip them of their nutritious value. Always be sure to read the label carefully before buying any time of bread.

3. Granola

Granola supposedly has it all; grains, nuts and seeds. It should be a great source of protein, fiber, sodium and potassium. Then why is it among the 9 foods that seem healthy but are not? All these ingredients are also rich in calories and fats. Topped with chocolate chips and yogurt, they become an easy source of weight-gain through excessive munching. Try to combine granola with low-calorie and low-sugar cereals.

4. Smoothies

Who can resist a delicious over-sized smoothie filled with fruits, vegetables, and syrups? But with a calorific value of about 650 to 1000 calories, resistance is a must. The extreme sugars are nothing but damaging for your body, causing extreme energy spikes, and the excess sugars are stored as fats if not burned.

5. Ready-to-eat Salads

Salads, despite containing healthy ingredients, are deceitful because of their portion size and fat percentage. Prepared salads are mostly full of hidden fats and calories. This is because of their high mayonnaise content. It is better to make salads at home, using less mayonnaise and limiting yourself to a sensible portion size.

6. Frozen Yogurt

Yogurt is universally considered to be a healthy supplement due to the ‘active’ cultures it contains, which assist digestion and keep the natural bacteria found in our gut healthy. Frozen yogurts, however, tend to be heat-processed, killing these live cultures and wiping out the whole concept of consuming yogurt. It also contains added amounts of sugar, which simply adds to your weight problems.

7. Ready-to-cook Meals

These meals are highly convenient and quick to prepare, but are dangerously high in sodium. Despite some of them being low in calories, they also have no significant nutritious value. The ingredients used are often processed or refined, which has already been mentioned as being unhealthy.

8. Fat-free Foods

Fat-free foods are, surprisingly enough, among our list of the 9 foods that seem healthy but are not.

There are many natural fat-free foods, such as fruits and vegetables, but when buying off-the-shelf products, be aware of what you are buying. Strictly consider the caloric, fiber, sodium, vitamin and mineral content as well.

9. Bran Muffins

Other than being a rich source of fiber, bran muffins contain nothing but pure sugar and fat. Most commercial bran muffins contain up to 800 calories, which is even higher the caloric count of cake doughnut! As suggested, always read the nutrition label before choosing to buy them.