5 'Bad' Foods That Actually Aren't That Unhealthy
Some foods are classified as ‘bad,’ and those on a diet want to stay away from them. But you might be surprised by some of them that aren’t actually that unhealthy.
Many people might feel guilty to eat some food, especially if they’re on a strict diet — which by the way, most of the things that are too strict aren’t always good unless you have a particular condition.
Apart from these “special diets”, some foods can still be included in a wholesome, healthy diet, as long as they’re consumed with certain moderation. Be ready to be surprised by what some people call “bad” food isn’t actually that bad.
White Bread
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The usual white bread we find in most grocery stores doesn’t have many nutritional benefits because the white flour used in its production loses most of them during its processing, and they tend to be more caloric than whole grains. The solution can be making your own bread so you can choose the best ingredients for your recipe.
Pizza
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Ok, let’s be honest. The one-dollar slice of pizza or the frozen ones are pretty greasy and loaded with fat, calories, and unhealthy ingredients.
However, this is good news for pizza lovers out there (me included!); not all pizzas are made the same! This means you can make your own pizza or choose healthier options loaded with veggies and using whole flour.
Potatoes
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White potatoes are loaded with potassium, magnesium, vitamin C, and B. So, if you are avoiding carbs altogether, don’t toss the potatoes from your list just yet — there are ways to switch the deep-fried French fries for baked ones or using an air fryer.
Peanut Butter
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Peanut butter is delicious and fortunately, there are natural options available on the market that aren’t loaded with hydrogenated oils and sugar. Opt for peanut butter that is made only with salt and peanuts. Other healthier options are other nuts butter such as almond and hazelnut butter with a short ingredient list.
Chocolate
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Like the other food we mentioned here, if you choose the “right” chocolate, you can still reap health benefits. Dark chocolate, with more than 70% of cacao, is filled with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and polyphenols. Just stay away from white chocolate.
Popcorn
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Popcorn is a great snack and a requisite for a Netflix-and-chill evening, right? Popcorn is a whole grain, making it a good source of fiber. And it’s less dense calories than most chips and other salt-rich industrialized snacks. So, when a craving pops up, make your own bowl and enjoy without guilt!