Why: Many products claim to have health benefits or provide a weight loss edge. It's difficult for consumers to educate themselves when there are so many of these seemingly healthy products available and so much research supporting their claims.
Here are 5 items that those of you seeking to be truly fit should always avoid:
1. Yogurt
Many people worry about bone strength and look to yogurt and other dairy products as a calcium source. Research has shown that exercise, not dairy, is one of the best champions for bone strength while also promoting fat loss.
2. Protein Bars
Refer back to my "Fit from Within" post, and you'll see me introduce the idea of selecting proper food sources. Nothing that comes wrapped in foil is ever going to see you to your fittest version of yourself. . . ever. While bars and ready to drink shakes are convenient and appear to offer a myriad of health benefits, the chemicals and processing involved in making these "healthy" treats far outweighs the pros.
3. Coffee
This one took me a while to come around on. I have been an avid coffee drinker for several years, and have recently come around to realize what a hindrance it has been. The empty calories many of us ingest through "skinny" lattes, mocha's, and cappuccinos add up in a big way. Ignore the negative effects of added dairy and sweeteners, and you still have a drink tapping out your precious adrenal glands.
4. Artificial Sweeteners
What most of us do not realize is that our body's response to sweet initiates from the tongue. Theoretically then, that means as soon as you taste "sweet," your body responds to sweet by taking the necessary means to assimilate it. If you're constantly tricking your body with Sweet N Low, Equal, Splenda, Truvia or the like, you've got an influx of unnecessary "sweet" response which, over time, can lead to bad news.
5. "Organic" or "Gluten Free" Snack Items
I can't say it enough. A fit physique comes from a good diet. Proper nutrition never includes snack items from a box or package. . . ever. We learned years ago during the "fat free" craze that manufacturers simply add additional sugar or the like to make up for taste in items labeled "low fat" or "fat free." The same holds true for "low carb" selections. . . the sugar has been reduced so the fat is increased to compensate. Now with the popularity of organic and gluten free diets growing, snack makers are accomadating with an abundance of options. Always pick whole foods, and you'll know exactly what you're getting.
