Beat the five top “good-for-you” goofs.1. YOU THINK EATING BREAKFAST IS HEALTHY, BUT: “Any food with a lot of added sugar, even yogurt, can make your energy level take a nosedive about an hour after you eat it,” says Dawn Jackson Blatner, R.D. Stick to a mix of protein, fiber and whole grains; choose yogurt with 12 grams of sugar or less.
2. YOU THINK SALAD IS HEALTHY, BUT: Greens won’t do you much good if you drown them in cheese, croutons and creamy dressing. “Fat takes a long time to be digested and makes us feel sluggish,” explains Blatner. Instead, load up on lean protein such as chicken, fiber-rich chickpeas and nutritious veggies like tomatoes, broccoli and red peppers.
3. YOU THINK ANY SNACK THAT ISN’T FRIED IS HEALTHY, BUT: Low-fat, low-cal pretzels and potato chips seem like a smart snack–trouble is, “these processed dry foods speed through your system,” says Blatner. Choose popcorn or multigrain pretzels for a steady, long-lasting energy boost.
4. YOU THINK DRIED FRUIT IS HEALTHY, BUT: It’s loaded with sugar. Munch on raw fruit instead. “The water in it will energize you,” says Blatner.
5. YOU THINK COFFEE IS HEALTHY, BUT: Drink too much and you can get the jitters. Your best bet for improved focus and quick thinking–without the shakes–is to stick to about two cups before noon, advises Blatner.
Source: Fitness, October 2007
Filed under: food
You’re right about dried fruit often being loaded with sugar, but before you discount it entirely (I’m a total fiend for it myself) I would recommend that you look into the amazing but still somewhat exotic world of unsugared, natural dried fruit. Okay full disclusure - I work for a family business (NutsOnline.com) that specializes in the most amazing dried fruit.
It turns out you CAN enjoy dried fruit without all the added stuff, and the amazing thing is that it’s actually tastier that way. The reason why so many companies add all that sugar is to a.) keep the per pound cost of the fruit low and b.) make the fruit softer. Unsugared fruit costs more per pound because it’s pure. And it’s chewier. Not that that’s a bad thing - in fact I think our natural dried papaya has the consistency and amazing flavor of a fruit roll up.
Check out some of this great natural dried fruit.
Thanks for your comment Sarah! As a matter of fact, I LOVE dried fruit ~ more so than fresh fruit which often spoils in my household. I’m just not sure how healthy it really is ~ in general.
I peeked at your shop and the items look delish!