5 Healthy Substitutes for  so-called "Health Foods"

Chips, candy, and ice cream are high-profile diet busters that you’ve hopefully removed from your kitchen now that you’re trying to lead a healthy lifestyle and lose some weight. But there may still be some so-called “health foods” residing in your pantry, fridge, or freezer that can readily stall your weight loss.

Here are 5 foods to watch out for:

Granola

With rolled oats, nuts, and raisins or other dried fruits as its primary constituents, granola seems to be an ideal breakfast food. But many commercial brands are loaded with sugar and all too often, don’t have much fiber. If you can’t make your own granola, look for brands with 4 grams or less of sugar per serving, or choose a low-sugar, high-fiber cereal with at least 3 grams of fiber and no more than 2 grams of sugar per serving, and enjoy it with fat-free or 1% milk.

Honey 

Sugar is sugar and honey is mostly sugar (sucrose and fructose). Like white and brown sugar, it can cause the same swings in blood sugar that lead to hunger and cravings and therefore it is not permitted while following a healthy diet . Instead, sweeten drinks, yogurt, baked goods, and other dishes with a natural no-calorie sweetener, such as stevia or monk fruit natural no-calorie sweetener.

Veggie chips, puffs, and sticks

They look like they’re healthy because they’re colored like veggies. But these snacks are often high in sodium, saturated fat, and calories. And many brands are made primarily from white potatoes, simply supplemented with vegetable powders or purées. When it comes to veggie snacks, stick with fresh veggie sticks you cut-up yourself, or for a crunchy alternative, choose air-popped popcorn or cook your own popcorn on the stove-top using a little canola oil. Add a little Parmesan or freshly ground black pepper, if desired.

Low-fat frozen yogurt

It’s certainly advertised as a guilt-free indulgence but low-fat frozen yogurt typically contains 20 to 40 grams of sugar per half cup of a plain serving — without any toppings! Instead,  treat yourself to a homemade yogurt smoothie, that includes fat-free plain Greek yogurt, a fruit of your choice, a little vanilla or other extract, and a little natural no-calorie sweetener, if desired. Add ice cubes and blend until smooth.

Greek yogurt with fruit on the bottom

While plain nonfat Greek yogurt contains considerably more protein than regular plain nonfat yogurt, the fruit-flavored variety is sweetened with sugar, which is why it is not recommend. Instead, enjoy a half-cup serving of plain or low-fat Greek yogurt topped with fresh fruits, such as bananas and berries.