4 ‘Healthy’ Foods That Might Not Be That Healthy For You

Choosing foods that taste good and are good for you can be daunting, and it’s not always easy to find items that check both boxes. Plant-based whole foods are always a good bet when it comes to snacking healthy, but they’re not always the most convenient option, which brings us to store-bought healthy snacks. Food product companies have become quite adept at using healthy slang and slick marketing images to sell us on snacks that claim to support a healthy lifestyle. But are all of those ‘healthy’ foods actually that good for you?

We’re here to help debunk some of those healthy food myths, so you can keep an eye out for items that might not be delivering on their promise and reach for options that have proven benefits. Let’s dive right into it.

4 foods that aren’t as healthy as they seem

Multigrain or seven-grain bread

When we asked our Instagram community about their favorite healthy snacks, many mentioned multigrain bread (as toast, with cheese, or as PB&Js!). When it comes to grains, whole grains offer the most nutrients and health benefits, and this is where the majority of our grains should come from. However, it’s important to know that multigrain and seven-grain options are not the same thing as whole grain bread.

It’s true that ‘multigrain’ and ‘seven-grain’ products may contain some whole grains, but it’s not a guarantee that they’re 100% whole grains or whole wheat. Unless that is listed on the package or ingredient label, it likely contains refined flours.

Refined grains (and their flours) mean that the grain itself has been stripped of naturally occurring vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Nutrients are then added back in, which is why nutrition labels can be deceiving with flour labeled as “enriched”. These highly refined flours don’t offer the same benefits as 100% whole grains, and consuming too much can lead to increased weight gain and risk of heart disease and diabetes.

A good rule of thumb is if the word “whole” is not listed with all the grains on the nutrition label, then it’s not a whole grain product.

Pre-made smoothies and juices

These were the two favorite healthy snacks mentioned by our community. We love a good smoothie and a nutrient dense juice, but it’s important to give pre-made varieties a second look. Smoothies and juices can be a great way to pack in essential vitamins and minerals and add more fruits and vegetables to your diet, but pre-made varieties can often come with a lot of hidden sugar.

If you’re making your own smoothie or juice at home, you’re likely using fresh fruits and veggies so you’re just getting the natural sugars in those foods. However, store-bought options often use fruit juices made from concentrate, which contain a much higher amount of sugar in a smaller amount of liquid. So although those pre-made smoothies and juices can offer essential vitamins and minerals, they might also contain as much sugar as a single can of soda.

If you do buy pre-made smoothies or juices, opt for ones with “no sugar added” or ones made from 100% juice, not concentrate. Also, keep moderation in mind (as usual); up to one 5 ounce glass (150ml) of fruit juice per day is best to keep your sugar consumption in a healthier range.

But of course, we’d always recommend making smoothies at home if you’re able to! Check out our Tropical Ginger Smoothie for a delicious recipe that also boasts nausea-fighting benefits.

Nut butter

Many of you love dipping fruits and veggies in your favorite nut butter, and it’s a great snack to curb afternoon cravings and boost energy levels! But not all nut butters are made equal, and some might contain added salt, sugar, and fats that can make that healthy snack just a little less nutritious. So it’s best to check the ingredient list to make sure that there isn’t much more than the nut of choice in there.

The American Heart Association recommends around 1 serving of nuts a day (about 28 nuts), so you also don’t need a lot of nut butter to get the great benefits. If you’re allergic to nuts, seed and soy butters are a great alternative and boast many similar vitamins and minerals. You can eat it alongside fruits, veggies, in your yogurt or morning smoothie, or on a whole-grain PB&J sandwich for a tasty protein boost!

Granola or energy bars

These snacks are great in a pinch and in-between meals, so it’s not too surprising that so many of our community members swear by these quick and versatile snacks, with 60% of respondents saying they buy them on a regular basis. Granola and energy bars are often a great source of protein, carbs, and fiber with ingredients like oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. But those store-bought varieties can also include highly processed ingredients and added sugars, fats, and preservatives that won’t provide any additional nutritional value.

When you pick up your next box of granola bars, pay attention to the first 3 ingredients on the nutrition labels and opt for ones that don’t include an added sugar. This will help you avoid a sugar crash later on (the exact opposite of the energy boost we want!). A good choice should have at least 5 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber (preferably from whole grains!), and no more than 10 grams of sugar.

Making your own at home gives you the power to make them how you like, and you’ll love our no-bake fruit and nut bars — they make the perfect post-workout snack!

Make sure to check out our delicious and healthy recipes safe for pregnancy and postpartum in our newly updated Baby2Body app! Join us on Instagram @baby2bodyofficial to take place in fun polls, quizzes, and Q&A’s you won’t want to miss.

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