“13 Snacks That Only Look ‘Healthy’”

 

TRAIL MIX: Nuts and fruits seem like the perfect combination for your health. But dried fruit can be high in sugar. So, can add-ins like yogurt-covered raisins and dark chocolate. Check the label and compare brands -- or make your own. Low-sugar cereals and air-popped popcorn are good alternatives.

GRANOLA BARS: These may have ingredients that are good for you, but they also can hide a lot of sugar. Be sure to read labels carefully and choose ones that are low in that sweet stuff. Not able to find one you like? You could always go with an apple or banana instead.

FLAVORED YOGURT: Some fruit-infused varieties have as much as 32 grams of sugar in one 6-ounce container. That’s about 8 teaspoons. Beware of sugar-free yogurt, too.  It has aspartame, which can cause digestive problems for some people. A serving of plain yogurt with fresh fruit or jam is a good alternative.

PRETZELS: These salty snacks aren't too bad for you. But they're simple carbs, so they won’t fill you up for long. If pretzels are your snack of choice, have them with some sort of protein, like cheese.

BAKED VEGGIE CHIPS OR VEGGIE STRAWS: These may sound like good options, but they don’t give you any of the health benefits of vegetables. Like pretzels, they’re simple carbs, and their calories can add up. They also won’t make you feel full for long unless you pair them with some type of protein.

100-CALORIE SNACK PACKS: The health benefits of these depend on the snack itself. For example, ones with nuts have nutritional value and may give you a quick pick-me-up, but 100 calories of cookies or chips still aren’t good for you. And the 100-calorie label doesn’t mean a lot if you have more than one pack at a time.

HONEY-ROASTED NUTS: Nuts are packed with protein and “good” fats, but the honey-roasted kind are also loaded with salt and sugar, thanks to their salty-sweet coating. Instead, spice up plain nuts by toasting them and adding spices like cayenne or paprika. Need a sweet fix? Add some cinnamon or vanilla extract, instead.

RICE CAKES: You probably aren’t eating these for their taste, but you’re not getting any health benefits from them, either. They’re simply empty calories. To add some protein -- and flavor -- spread a little peanut butter on top.

CANNED FRUIT: It has a long shelf-life and it's inexpensive, but if yours is packed in syrup, it's also packed in sugar. Look for fruit that’s sealed in water or its own juice. And watch for cans that bulge or are damaged. That can let more air in the can, which could allow bacteria to grow.

FLAVORED INSTANT OATMEAL: On its own, instant oatmeal is a good source of iron and fiber. But you cut into those benefits when you add high-sugar flavors like maple syrup or brown sugar. You’re better off making plain oatmeal and topping it with fresh fruit or nuts.

BEEF JERKY: This isn’t a bad choice if you go with types made from poultry, salmon, or lean meat. It also helps to not have it too often. But be aware that any kind of jerky is high in sodium. Check the label for a preservative called sodium nitrate. It can cause issues with the way your body uses sugar and damage your blood vessels. That could lead to diabetes or heart disease.

STORE-BOUGHT SMOOTHIES: Sugar from the fruit in these giant chilled drinks can add up. The blender can strip away some of the nutrients, too. To get the biggest benefit, keep yours between 4 and 6 ounces (that's the recommended serving size for a smoothie or juice). The healthiest kind is one you make yourself. That way, you control the size and what goes in it.

MICROWAVE POPCORN: If you hold off on the unhealthy toppings, popcorn can be a good high-fiber snack. But many microwaveable versions have loads of salt and artificial flavors. Studies also suggest that the chemicals in the lining of the bag may affect your hormones, cholesterol levels, and immune system. Research continues on that. Air-popping the kernels and adding your own seasonings is a much healthier way to go.  

REVIEWED BY: Christine Mikstas, RD, LD WebMD on March 20, 2020

SOURCES:

Leah Thomas, RD/LD, CSSD, assistant athletics director for student-athlete development, Georgia Tech Athletic Association, Atlanta.

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: “Looking To Reduce Your Family’s Intake of Added Sugars? Here’s How,” “Are Canned Foods Nutritious For My Family?” "Nutrition Info About Beverages."

U.S. Department of Agriculture: “FoodData Central: Yogurt, Fruit, Low-Fat Milk.”

Mayo Clinic: “Nutrition and Healthy Eating: Added Sugars, Don’t Get Sabotaged By Sweeteners,” “Does the Sodium Nitrate In Processed Meat Increase My Risk of Heart Disease?”

International Food Information Council Foundation: “Everything You Need To Know About Aspartame.”

British Heart Foundation: “I’m Confused – Are Nuts A Healthy Snack?” “Heart Matters: 5 Reasons Why Smoothies Are Not A Shortcut To A Healthy Diet.”

Cleveland Clinic: “Health Essentials: 9 Best Tips To Help You Make Healthier Popcorn.”

Environmental Health Perspectives: “Dietary Habits Related To Food Packaging and Population Exposure to PFASs.”

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