5 Foods That Are Worse For You Than You Think

Except for a six-year stint in Winnipeg, I’ve lived in Coquitlam pretty much since I was six years old. A lot of things have changed since then, new schools, new homes and building developments, new parks; it’s almost unrecognizable from 30 years ago.

However, there are some things that have still remained in their place, such as my old elementary school, the house we grew up in (except that now it’s Pepto-Bismol pink!) our local mall and Eagle Ridge Hospital where we made many trips to growing up. I’ve even been their a couple times with our little ones since we’ve been back in Vancouver. 

I’ve never really given it a lot of thought, but hospitals are actually very active in helping people and their communities live a healthier lifestyle. It makes a lot of sense though, because the healthier you are, the less reason you have to visit the hospital, right?

erhf

Now if you’re wondering where this post is going, here it is. This train of thought all started because I came across some healthy eating facts recently, that originated from the Eagle Ridge Hospital Foundation. My theory is that as long as you eat foods in moderation, you’re okay. Then I saw this list of 5 Foods That Are Worse For You Than You Think from ERHF that explains why and how these food are bad for you and it actually got me thinking:

1. Pop
Soda pops can create chaos for your body! They’re not friendly to your skin, teeth and hormones and can seriously affect your anxiety levels. Over time, the high sugar and caffeine content can cause chronic dehydration and plaque build-up on the teeth leading to severe cavities and gum disease. Each can contains zero nutritional value, just 10 teaspoons of sugar!

2. Peaches in Heavy Syrup 
Peaches soaked in heavy syrup are filled with calories that don’t do the body good. Read the ingredients list first. If you see glucose, fructose, dextrose, or sucrose on there, chances are there’s a ton of added sugar. Syrups spoil this already sweet treat and if you’re trying to keep blood insulin levels at a stable level, then stay away!

3. Margarine
Full of artificial ingredients and synthetic vitamins, margarine is a gastronomical gremlin that causes the body’s immune response to go haywire. For a healthier sandwich spread, smooth over some avocado or hummus instead. Margarine is full of trans fats and increases the risk of bad cholesterol, heart disease, and stroke.   

4. Hot Dogs
Processed meats should carry a warning label. They’re packed with sodium and chemicals. Regular, daily consumption increases your risk of developing colorectal cancer by 21% – yet hotdogs are a summer staple for many. Between the types of meats that are used, and the chemicals added to make these hot dogs edible, it’s no surprise why health concerns arise.

5. Potato Chips
Potato chips (and other deep fried foods) are behind the rise of cancers in North America. Fleeting greasy satisfaction isn’t worth the risk you put on your colon, bladder and rectum. Instead of snatching a chip bag off the shelf, try making your own chips at home. Slice potatoes and brush them with a little bit of olive oil and a dash of sea salt. Bake in the oven until crispy – and voila! You’ve got yourself a recipe for longer, healthier life. 

Reading this list, I was really surprised about margarine, I didn’t realize it was so unhealthy. And I admit, that we do have potato chips in our pantry for the my and the hubby’s late night snack cravings! But we are definitely going to start curbing those cravings and start making our own potato chips more often!

What surprised you most on this list? And what is one unhealthy food that you always stay away from? 

 

22 thoughts on “5 Foods That Are Worse For You Than You Think

  1. Oh, man! About the only thing I don’t have is the chips! I am addicted to soda & have recently become convinced it will be my demise 🙁 I don’t eat a lot of hot dogs & don’t use a lot of margarine, but those darn peaches in heavy syrup are sure tasty.

    Thanks for sharing 🙂

  2. Hi Salma,

    The sad thing is that we’ve been eating all these foods since we were children! How harsh is that?

    The partner and I have made our own chips with olive oil and they are delicious. A pain to make, but very tasty, all the same!

    – Bonnie

    1. At least we have more education about food now for our kids Bonnie. And yes, we need to start making more of our own chips as well!

  3. Thanks for sharing this list! I actually learned about margarine’s horrors awhile back and now use butter. My favorite soft butter has olive oil is it, to add nutrients and to make it easier to spread. I do like making our own version of potato chips; other veggies also make some tasty “chips” such as zucchini and sweet potatoes.

  4. Ok, I love potato chips and have them bi-weekly. Nothing else really surprised me. I avoid corn syrup like it’s my job— except in caramel corn

  5. potato chips and the like are also bigger cavity-starters than candy, I believe. The type of sugar in potatoes is especially destructive, plus, chips get stuck into your teeth and start eroding.

  6. None of the foods surprise me, but I wish my daughter would listen more about the pop. She’s 22 so not as if I can stop her drinking it daily!

    Peaches in syrup… love them and an occasional treat.

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