Misleading health foods: Are your choices really fit and healthy?

More and more people are trying to lead a healthy lifestyle, looking for products supporting their diet and well-being. However, not everything that appears healthy actually is. Many products advertised as "fit" or "healthy" contain elements that can undermine our health and fitness goals. Reading labels becomes crucial to avoid foods that masquerade as healthy options. It’s essential to identify which products to avoid, even if they are promoted as conducive to a healthy lifestyle.

Granola is a popular breakfast choice that we often select in the hope of a wholesome, filling meal. In reality, many of the granolas available on the market are heavily sweetened, with sugar as a significant ingredient contributing to the sweet taste and forming crunchy clusters. Consequently, instead of a healthy breakfast rich in fibre and vitamins, we end up with a high-sugar product that can quickly raise blood glucose levels and not provide long-term energy. If we wish to choose granola, it's advisable to opt for a sugar-free version or, even better, make it at home to have full control over its ingredients.

Nut mixes appear to be healthy snacks, offering protein, healthy fats, and vitamins. However, they may contain ingredients that render them unhealthy. Dried fruits and chocolate pieces are often added to the mixes, significantly increasing sugar and carbohydrate levels. Though rich in 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. Producers add fillers and sugars to reduce the fat content to compensate for the lost texture and taste. The result is peanut butter that is theoretically "lighter" but contains less healthy fat, more sugar, and artificial ingredients. It's advisable to choose a natural peanut butter that contains 100% nuts – it might be more calorie-dense, but it provides 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. A better way to increase energy levels is by ensuring proper sleep, crucial for the body's recovery and hormonal balance. Hydration can be achieved 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 create an impression of wholesomeness. 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 an excess of 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 wish to maintain a healthy diet.

Avoiding seemingly healthy products can be challenging, especially when manufacturers try to convince us to purchase foods labelled as "fit" or "diet." However, making conscious choices and carefully analysing ingredients are essential to maintaining health and avoiding marketing traps.