Beware the hidden sugars: Navigating deceptive health foods

More and more people are trying to lead a healthy lifestyle, looking for products that will support their diet and well-being. However, not everything that looks healthy actually is. Many products advertised as "fit" or "healthy" contain elements that can harm our figure and health. Reading labels becomes crucial to avoid unhealthy foods that only pretend to be healthy. It’s worth finding out which products to avoid, even if they are promoted as supporting a healthy lifestyle.

Granola is a popular breakfast option that we often choose in the hope of a wholesome, filling meal. In reality, many of the granolas available on the market are heavily sweetened, and sugar is a significant ingredient contributing to the sweet taste and forming crunchy clumps. As a result, instead of a healthy breakfast rich in fiber and vitamins, we get a high-sugar product that can quickly raise blood glucose levels and doesn't provide us with long-term energy. If you want to choose granola, it's worth opting for a sugar-free version or, even better, making it at home to have full control over its ingredients.

Nut mixes look like a healthy snack that provides protein, healthy fats, and vitamins. However, they may contain ingredients that turn them into unhealthy food. Dried fruits and chocolate pieces are often added to the mixes, significantly increasing sugar and carbohydrate levels. Though full of vitamins, dried fruits have much more sugar than fresh fruits, making such a snack more calorie-dense than expected. To avoid excessive sugar, it's best to prepare your own mix, choosing natural, unsweetened nuts and selected additives in controlled quantities.

Many people opt for peanut butter with reduced fat content, believing it to be a healthier option. However, these products are often less beneficial for health than they appear. To reduce the amount of fat, producers add fillers and sugars to compensate for the lost texture and taste. The result? Peanut butter, which is theoretically "lighter," contains less healthy fat but more sugar and artificial ingredients. It's worth choosing natural peanut butter that contains 100% nuts – it might be more calorie-dense, but it delivers healthy fats and protein without unnecessary additives.

Isotonic and energy drinks are often advertised as the perfect solution for a quick energy boost and rehydration after physical exertion. However, as specialists point out, they are not as beneficial as they might seem. Many of these drinks contain large amounts of sugar and artificial sweeteners, which can lead to weight gain and negatively affect metabolic health. Instead, a better way to increase energy levels is to ensure proper sleep, which is crucial for the body's recovery and hormonal balance. Hydration can be provided with water, and for electrolytes, opt for natural sources such as bananas or coconut water, which provide minerals without unnecessary calories.

Carefully reading labels is crucial to avoid consuming unhealthy foods that merely give the impression of being healthy. It’s important to pay attention to the ingredients and avoid products containing sugar in various forms, artificial additives, and fillers. Healthy food should be as simple as possible, without excess ingredients. Products with many unknown ingredients are better left on the shelf in favour of alternatives with a shorter, clearer composition. Natural products like fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains are the best choices for those who want to maintain a healthy diet.

Avoiding seemingly healthy products can be challenging, especially when manufacturers try to convince us to purchase foods labeled as "fit" or "diet." However, conscious choices and careful analysis of ingredients are fundamental to maintaining health and avoiding marketing traps.