Zucchini and watermelon are healthy foods that are mostly full of water. Nuts are a healthy food full of healthy fats. But just because something is healthy, doesn’t mean you can eat as much as you want. And especially for those of us with a lower activity level – portion control is more important than ever.
And it’s not just what you’re eating, but when you’re eating it, that can cause foods to be worse for you. Here are some healthy foods that could be sabotaging your diet, and what to do to keep healthy foods, healthy.
Nuts
Nuts and seeds are full of healthy fats. These fats are good for you but only in moderation. If you overindulge on this healthy snack, you will not only be filled up, but it will fill you out. To eat these amazing and healthy powerhouses, make sure to keep portions in mind, and you will be just fine. About 24 almonds, 18 medium-sized cashews, 12 hazelnuts, 8 medium-sized Brazil nuts, and 35 peanuts are a serving. Enjoy nuts in moderation as a healthy and fulfilling snack.
Peanut Butter (or other nut butters)
Peanut butter, made of just peanuts and salt, is a dense and healthy fat, but you MUST eat it as directed. This also goes for sun butter, made of sunflower seeds, almond butter, and cashew butter. For each tablespoon of peanut butter, there is almost 100 calories. This means that if you eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, which isn’t the healthiest snack anyhow, you will be ingesting almost 400 calories of peanut butter alone, not to mention the rest of the sandwich. PS, try sliced apples and peanut butter, it’s a favorite of mine and you will love it!
Bananas
But bananas are a fruit and they are healthy, right? Yes, but there is a little more to it. Bananas are a highly caloric food and they are also full of potassium, both of which are good for you, especially when the calories are coming from a whole food source like a banana. But if you just plan to be sitting on the couch, taking a nap, or something else less than strenuous, the last thing you should eat is a banana. With about 300 calories each, bananas are best before a workout, a walk, or some other type of activity.
Low-Fat Foods
When low-fat foods are made and processed, they have to put something back in to replace the fat that they took out. These are additives, chemicals, and basically crap. Instead of choosing a low-fat variety, choose the full fat food or snack and just follow the serving sizes. Your body will be more satiated, and you will enjoy the snack more.
Fruit and Nut Bars
These bars are touted as healthy, good for you, and a perfect snack on the go. Unfortunately, most conventionally sold bars are full of sugar, calories, and additives, no longer making them a healthy choice. Also, if you cannot pronounce an ingredient or don’t know what it is, is it really something you want to be eating? For truly healthy bars, choose something like Lara Bars, made with only nuts, fruits, coconut oil, and “sweet” spices like cinnamon. Pressed by Kind Bars are fruit-based bars filled with fruit, chia seeds, and sometimes even vegetables. Their mango apple bar has literally three ingredients including mango, apple, and chia seed. You cannot go wrong.
We all have to eat and we all want to enjoy what we’re eating. Eating healthy foods can be delicious and they will help keep you healthy and full, just stick to portion sizes so know you aren’t getting too much of a healthy thing and therefore making it unhealthy.