Here are our top healthy foods that could be sabotaging your calorie deficit!
1) Trail mix
Fabulous for a portioned snack and to take on a hike. Energy to last and full of wholesome flavours. BUT be wary – many supermarket-bought trail mixes are laden with added sugar (from candied preserved fruit, yoghurt drops or chocolate chips). They are also often super high in sodium (from nuts and flavourings) and can leave you gasping for air if you are sensitive to sulphite preservatives.
2) Smoothies
Often replacing meals OR consumed as an addition to a meal, smoothies have long been deemed a health chaser’s dream. However, you must choose wisely as many smoothies bought at cafes and eateries are laden with fat and sugar from ice-cream, frozen yoghurt and fruit flavourings. Steer clear of all the unnecessary additives by having a go at making your own – try one of our awesome 12WBT smoothie recipes, they’re packed full of nutrients and absolutely delish!
3) Salads
It’s not the salad vegetables itself we’ve got an issue with, but more the dressings and toppers we add to them. Vegetables are incredibly healthy, however many of us wouldn’t just eat them just on their own. Unfortunately, many dressings are loaded with sugar, flavourings, preservatives, salt and trans fats AND toppers like croutons, bacon, fried onions, etc can also be laden with fat and flavourings.
4) Protein bars
With literally hundreds of protein bar options on the market, you need to keep vigilant about what you are buying. With ingredient panels that read like phone books, many commercially available protein bars are simply heavily processed (and expensive) versions of a chocolate bar. The added ‘fibre’ and no added sugar versions can also leave those with sensitive tummies running to the bathroom.
5) Granola and yoghurt café cups
It’s often love at first sight – you see it through the café counter glass, that beautifully crafted layering of shiny silky yoghurt and golden crunchy granola. Often the reason you can’t quite re-create this ‘healthy’ breakfast at home is because the yoghurt is usually the full fat Greek yoghurt (which is upwards of 10% fat) mixed with added sugars and flavours. The granola, too, is often of the sugar and oil baked variety.
You can now start Michelle Bridges’ 12WBT on the first Monday of each month. The next round of 12WBT commences on 6 September, 2021. Head to www.12wbt.com to join.
