Are these 7 ‘healthy foods’ sabotaging your diet? Dietitians warn they may be secretly making you fat

In an age of convenience and marketing-heavy grocery aisles, a new warning has emerged from health experts about a group of widely consumed items often mistaken for nutritious. According to Dr. Collin Popp, a registered dietitian and assistant professor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, several popular health foods may actually be misleading consumers due to hidden sugars, additives, and unhealthy fats, as per a report by Today.

Protein Bars: A Candy Bar in Disguise?

Often promoted as a muscle-friendly snack, protein bars may deliver more sugar than protein in many cases. “People think they’re making a healthy choice,” says Dr. Popp, “but many bars are loaded with palm oil, processed soy proteins, and artificial sweeteners”, as quoted in a report by Today.

He advises choosing options with at least 10 grams of protein, ideally sourced from nuts, seeds, or whey, and checking for low added sugar and high fiber content.

Bottled Protein Shakes: Convenient but Overprocessed

Pre-mixed protein shakes, though convenient, are often high in sugar and additives. While they may offer a short-term nutritional boost, especially for those lacking protein intake, Dr. Popp recommends using homemade blends with minimal ingredients instead. “Use them in moderation or as a last resort,” he advises.

Granola Bars: Oats Masked in Sugar

Granola bars, despite their rustic appearance, frequently contain high levels of sugar and unhealthy fats. Popp warns that many bars are “just oats with sweeteners in a disguised form.” Opt for those with whole grains, minimal oil, and natural ingredients such as seeds and dried fruit, as per the report by Today.

Trail Mix: Healthy Nuts or Sugary Snack?

While trail mix might appear to be a natural, nutritious snack, many store-bought versions are dense with candied fruits, chocolate, and salty add-ins. “It’s essentially a way to sell candy with a health label,” says Popp. He recommends creating custom mixes at home using unsalted nuts, unsweetened dried fruits, and dark chocolate.

Bottled Green Juices: Missing the Fiber

Bottled green juices are often stripped of the fiber and micronutrients found in whole fruits and vegetables. Many are high in natural and added sugars, and lack satiety value. Dr. Popp advises selecting juices without added sugars and stresses caution with cold-pressed or raw options that are unpasteurized.

Veggie Chips: Processed Under a Healthy Guise

Vegetable-based chips may offer a colorful alternative to traditional snacks, but they often consist of powdered vegetables with rice or corn as the main ingredient. “Most of the fiber and nutrients are lost,” says Popp. These snacks are usually comparable to potato chips in terms of sodium and fat content.

Plant-Based Meats: Processed Protein Pitfall

Though heralded as ethical alternatives to animal products, plant-based meats often rely on highly processed proteins, sodium, and artificial flavors. While lower in cholesterol, their nutritional quality doesn’t always match whole plant sources. “Beans, lentils, and quinoa remain better options,” advises Popp.

FAQs

Are all protein bars good for building muscle and healthy snacking?

Not necessarily. Many protein bars are high in sugar, palm oil, and artificial sweeteners. Dr. Collin Popp recommends choosing bars with at least 10g of protein from quality sources like nuts or whey, and low added sugar.

Is it safe to drink bottled protein shakes daily?

Bottled shakes can be convenient, but they often contain excessive sugar and additives. Dr. Popp suggests using them occasionally and opting for homemade protein shakes made with natural ingredients when possible.