Certified Fitness Trainer Explains | Should I Really Be Eating This?

"Diet" has become a ubiquitous term in the health and fitness landscape. Every day, the internet bombards you with information about what constitutes the latest healthy food trends, and it's not always accurate. As we approach the festive holiday season, it's essential to have the right knowledge to make informed choices about the foods you consume. Let's take a closer look at the top 10 foods that are often perceived as "healthy" but may require some expert guidance from a certified fitness trainer to navigate effectively.

Be sure to also check out our other recently updated blog posts on the effectiveness of foam rollers, HIIT workouts, core exercises and the importance of sleep.

1. “Whole Grain” or “Whole Wheat” Bread – This one is tricky because some types of bread that are labeled whole grain or whole wheat can contain up to as much as 70% refined flour. Make sure you take a closer look and read the label when you are buying your bread. It should say 100 % whole grain or 100% sprouted grain bread.





2. Low-Fat or Skim Milk – These have become popular options because they have less calories than whole milk. Whole milk has more saturated and monounsaturated fats which help to keep you feeling full, support metabolism, and improve your overall body composition. Without the fat, skim and low-fat milk also have less fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K than whole milk. To make matters worse, producers add powdered milk into skim milk to improve its consistency because skim milk doesn’t resemble real milk when it’s harvested. This process introduces oxidized cholesterol, which damages your arteries worse than regular cholesterol. Try instead a healthier option such as Almond Milk.



3. Prepared Salads – You can’t assume just because it’s called a salad means it has to be healthy. Prepared tuna salads, chicken salads, and shrimp salads are often loaded with hidden fats and calories due to their high mayonnaise content. Most salad dressings also contain a high sugar content. Your best bet is to usually make your own salad at home or double check the menu. Restaurants are required now to give you nutritional information if you ask for it.

4. Synthetic Oils, ie Margarine or “Spreadables” – Synthetic Oils gained their popularity because of the myth that fat makes you fat: if fat is bad, then fat-free oils and spreads are good. Food companies hydrogenate many of the fake oils you buy, which maintain their shelf life and shape at room temperature and make them trans-fats. This process makes the oil harder to digest and increases your risk of cardiovascular disease. Make sure you look at the label and avoid hydrogenated oils. Grapeseed oil is a good cooking alternative.

5. Protein Bars – Many protein bars are candy bars in disguise. They’re filled with sugar and high-fructose corn syrup and include trans-fats and artificial sweeteners. Make sure you’re reading the label on what exactly you’re buying – if it tastes like a Snickers, it’s probably not the best choice.

6. Smoothies – Smoothies can start out as a healthy snack or meal option. Most smoothies have a base of blended fruit and some dairy. The disproportionately large serving sizes, however, are combined with added sugar, ice cream, or sherbet and can add up to a high-calorie treat. Some smoothie bars serve smoothies that contain up to 500 calories. While a smoothie can be a great way to start the day or to refuel after a workout, remember to account for the calories you drink when considering what you’ve consumed in a day.



7. Gluten-Free Pasta and Snacks – Most people think “gluten-free” means a food is healthy but unless you have a medical issue that requires gluten avoidance, this usually isn’t true. Most manufacturers often use less nutrient-dense flours and fat to replace the gluten in carbohydrates rich foods such as pasta, crackers, and snack products. So, when you opt for these GF products, you’re spending more money for no additional nutrients and sometimes a less healthy product. If you want to cut down on gluten, try replacing refined carb products with foods that are naturally gluten-free such as fruits, vegetables, and legumes instead. My favorite is making zucchini noodles instead of pasta in Italian dishes.



8. Fruit Juice – Yes, grape juice may have some vitamins in them but so do actual grapes; and the grapes don’t have the additional calories and sugar. One 8 ounce of grape juice, for example, has about 170 calories, 42 grams of carbs, and 40 grams of sugar. (That’s more calories and sugar than a 12-ounce can of Coke.) Even the “all-natural” ones may contain high-fructose corn syrup and additives.



9. Fat-Free Anything – This also spawns from the “fat will make you fat” myth. Fat doesn’t make you fat, a bad diet and a lack of exercise do. Fats support everything from brain and metabolic function to quicker fat loss. If you avoid fats, you’ll struggle to get the right ratio of macronutrients (carbs vs. proteins vs. fats) because more calories will have to come from carbs; that will skew your macronutrient ratio and cause more fat gain. In order to make foods fat-free, companies often add trans-fats and artificial sweeteners, which cause can health problems.

10. Instant Oatmeal – Oatmeal can be a great whole-grain energy source…or it can be a sweet bowl of refined carbs that leave you starving by the time you make it into work. Avoid the refined instant varieties that are low in fiber and protein and have added sugar. If time is an issue, choose an instant oatmeal where the first ingredient listed is steel cut oats, whole oats, or whole grains and has at least 4g of fiber and 5g protein per serving. Another good sign—there’s no added sugar or it’s at the end of the ingredient list. Even better, do some overnight oats and reheat in the morning while adding some fresh fruit or a handful of nuts.

This list unveils the top ten foods often mistaken for healthy choices. It's crucial to meticulously examine ingredient labels when shopping. At Elevate Fitness, we're more than just a gym; we're your trusted partners in achieving results. Our certified fitness trainer is here to guide you on your path to better health. Ready to embark on a transformative journey? Sign up for a FREE online consultation or call us today at (214) 302-9788, and let's kickstart your fitness transformation with Elevate Fitness!