8x we can’t ignore it; this is simply bad for you
Of course, it’s really not that complicated: vegetables, fruit, protein and wholegrain products are good for you. Sweets, biscuits, ice cream (and cookie ice cream) and crisps aren’t. We really do know that! But when it comes to some things, you’d simply rather not hear that they really are that unhealthy. Still, we’re here to rip off the plaster quickly but effectively. These things are really NOT GOOD for you:
Because although it’s perfectly clear with some foods, others can still come as a real surprise. And the disappointment might be all the greater…
Donuts
Maybe they should be renamed Don’ts. White flour, sugar and fat, and then straight into the deep fryer. Generally speaking, it’s a trans-fat feast of epic proportions. Usually followed by a dip in a layer of sickly sweet frosting… yikes. That calls for a seriously major balancing day.
Processed meat
A few years ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) placed the category of processed meats that are smoked or salted, such as ham, salami, luncheon meat and bacon, on its ‘carcinogenic’ list if consumed daily. Alongside, er, asbestos, plutonium-239 and X-rays, among others. Not exactly a cheerful list. If you eat it, do so in moderation. Your cholesterol will thank you too.
White Russian
I don’t think The Dude would have listened to us, but perhaps we can still convince you that you really shouldn’t drink these guys too often. Made with vodka, Kahlúa and cream, this cocktail containing six hundred calories and 16 grams of sugar is really not that laid-back. Just roll me home in the carpet.
Hotdogs and frankfurters
Predictable, sure. But the average factory-made sausage is so full of nitrites and saturated fats that you’re better off treating it as a ‘very occasionally’ food. Incidentally, nitrites are also used to combat dangerous botulism bacteria and to preserve the red colour of meat. Even when we were right in the middle of barbecue season in summer, we had to tell you that the hotdog was still the unhealthiest meat to grill…
Sweet cereals/breakfast cereals
Very few fibres, an incredible amount of sugar and fast carbohydrates; why would you have this for breakfast? Many supermarkets are doing a good job of showing which products on the shelves are high or low in sugar; we recommend taking the time to compare them. And admit it: every now and then you need a fairy tale, but you didn’t really think Unicorn Froot Loops were good for you, did you?
Crisps
Okay, of course we did investigate whether there was any good news to report here first. And (w)ell, at least it’s true that plain crisps are the least unhealthy. So you’re in luck if those are your favourite. Almost all other types of crisps: just imagine the sound of one of those horribly loud buzzers, meaning you’re out. And read here about the most unhealthy crisp flavours in the world.
Bagels
And, to top it all off—in a disappointing wise, that is—we also have to tell you that bagels aren’t good for you. ‘WHAT? Such a delicious toasted chewy ring of dough—how can that be bad? It’s not bloody a donut, is it?!’ I know, I know… sorry, really. But at approximately 250 calories and 50 grams of carbohydrates, one bagel is roughly equivalent to four slices of white bread. So unfortunately, it’s also the kind of thing you can certainly enjoy from time to time (and then go all out with eggs and salmon), but not every day.
Read also:
- 6 healthy food hacks: deliciously easy, and still doing the right thing
- Is a Whopper ‘healthier’ than a Big Mac?
- 8 tips for a healthier hamburger
