3 Supposedly “Healthy” Foods That May Sabotage Your Diet
ABSTRACT
Think you’re making healthy eating choices? Discover how excessive rice, dairy pitfalls, and oil overload can quickly turn your meal into a calorie trap. In this eye-opening look at unhealthy foods disguised as nutritious, our personal trainer wisdom reveals how these restaurant food myths could sabotage your whole food diet goals.
Keywords
Unhealthy foods
Hidden unhealthy foods
Restaurant food myths
Refined carbs
Excessive rice
Dairy pitfalls
Oil pitfalls
Calorie traps
Plant-based diet misconceptions
Healthy eating illusions
Personal trainer wisdom
Food choices and weight loss
Yogurt misconceptions
Restaurant menu mistakes
Weight Loss Resolutions / Photo: dhiraj jain
Introduction
You think what you’re eating is healthy…but is that true? Here are three reasons you may eat a fictitious life at a restaurant or home.
List of Unhealthy Foods
IT HAS RICE…AND PROBABLY A LOT OF IT!
Personal Trainer Wisdom: Recently, I was trying to trick my father into veganism. It didn’t take long before he commented, “I don’t think there’s meat on this menu, buddy” at Native Foods Café. Not surprisingly, he ordered the Southwestern Burger…which, admittedly, was full of flavor even though it didn’t contain an ounce of animal. Determined to order something more plant-based (or forward if you’re trendy), I scoured the menu. To my disappointment, I was left with few options. While looking around, I could see the glee on people’s faces while they enjoyed what they thought was a health-conscious choice. I also saw many dishes packed with rice and minimal vegetables. Yes, these dishes are healthier than a Big Mac; I will argue that they are healthy. This menu (if you’re not mindful) could still send you into the land of diabetes just as quickly as your typical junk food. Let’s be honest; rice is a refined, simple carb that spikes blood sugar levels and affects weight loss. Even if you choose wild rice (a whole grain option), you still shouldn’t exceed more than 25% of your plate (for some of the same reasons). Be realistic about this choice and enjoy it, for it is…still an indulgence. Otherwise, cut out the simple carb blast for more veggies.
IT HAS YOGURT…MAMA NEEDS HER PROTEIN AND PROBIOTICS!
Personal Trainer Wisdom: Dairy is delicious.…now that we’ve gotten past that, let’s talk about what it is: an inflammatory punch of growth hormone liquid from a local animal you don’t even know (shame on you…at least learn his or her name!). I apologize for the sensationalism. Let’s be realistic, though. If you’re choosing the most nutrient-dense foods, aren’t there less caloric and processed foods that provide protein and calcium, too? Of course there is! Dark leafy greens, etc., etc. “But I need probiotics!!!!” You sure do! Yogurt is fermented milk, and you can enjoy many of the same benefits by eating other fermented products like kimchi. Still on the dairy train, though? Choose milk from grass-fed cows instead.
IT HAS OIL….JUST LIKE THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET!
Personal Trainer Wisdom: I consider oil a silent weight loss killer. It can undermine your efforts to eat healthy with a whole-food focus. Most restaurants drown their veggie offerings with oil to offer the rich taste you and I enjoy. Don’t forget that most oil is highly processed and strips down any nutritional benefits you hope to gain (think phytonutrients and the “good” fat). Since most of the calories in oil come from fat, you may also be eating a dish fattier than the ribeye you’re giving up on. Any oil (including your “heart healthy” extra virgin olive oil) transforms a 100-calorie dish into a 300-400 punch. Is it worth it when you would instead save those calories for an old-fashioned cocktail or dessert? That’s up to you. Just because it’s a veggie dish, though, doesn’t always mean it’s healthy. Does this mean avoiding olive oil altogether? Well, let’s not get crazy. Just be mindful of the amount and the type. Pressed oils, like extra virgin olive and avocado, are always better options than seed oils.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: MICHAEL MOODY, PERSONAL TRAINER
As an author, a personal trainer in Denver, and podcast host, Michael Moody has helped personal training clients achieve new fitness heights and incredible weight loss transformations since 2005. He also produces the wellness podcast "The Elements of Being" and has been featured on NBC, WGN Radio, and PBS.
Michael offers personal training to Denver residents who want to meet at the 2460 W 26th Ave studio….or in their homes throughout LoHi (80206), LoDo (80202), RiNo (80216), Washington Park (80209), Cherry Creek (80206, 80209, 80243, 80246, 80231), and Highlands (80202, 80211, 80212). Michael also offers experiences with a personal trainer in Jefferson Park (80211) and Sloan's Lake (80204, 80212).
If you’re looking for a personal trainer who can curate a sustainable (and adaptable) routine based on your needs and wants, Michael is the experienced practitioner you’ve been looking for. Try personal training for a month…your body will thank you!
EPISODE #10 - EAT FOR LIFE, WEIGHT LOSS, AND AN OPTIMAL IMMUNE SYSTEM WITH BEST SELLING AUTHOR DR. FUHRMAN
On “The Elements of Being” podcast, Michael dissects and explores the minds and habits of psychologists, filmmakers, writers, and industry icons. Essentially, you learn what makes them flip the switch to achieve incredible feats, goals, and milestones…and a chance to geek out over the psychology behind human behavior. In this episode, Michael interviews Dr. Joel Fuhrman, an internationally recognized nutrition and natural healing expert and author of seven New York Times bestsellers, including his most recent book, Eat for Life. His other bestsellers include Eat to Live and The End of Dieting (which I give to all my clients).
Read more and listen here…..You can also listen to all episodes on Apple, Spotify, Overcast, Castbox, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast platform!
