You already know that you should limit junk food on a regular basis to maintain your health. However there are some foods that you should avoid altogether. Here is a list of 6 foods to avoid:
Margarine
You may think that margarine is a healthy alternative to butter but margarine is filled with trans fats, which increases your cholesterol. As well, it contains a lot of unhealthy ingredients in comparison to butter’s one or two. A better choice would be to choose controlled quantities of organic butter, ghee, olive oil or coconut oil.
Diet and Low Fat Foods
Unfortunately, “diet” or “low-fat” doesn’t necessarily mean low-calorie and healthy. Diet products and low-fat foods like yogurts and packaged foods usually are high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fillers to make them taste better. The trouble is we typically eat twice the amount we should because we’re not satisfied or think that it’s okay to eat more because it’s “healthy.” Choose products that have the least amount of ingredients and that are low in sugar, sodium and extra ingredients you cannot pronounce.
Frozen Meals (including the marketed “healthy” versions)
These meals may be convenient for those nights when you simply have no time to cook but they are overly processed and filled with loads of unhealthy fats and sodium. Instead, when you have time cook extra servings so that you can portion into containers and freeze for when you are in a pinch.
Artificial Sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners such as aspartame can stimulate your appetite, increase carbohydrate and sugar cravings and stimulate fat storage. Research has found that mice fed artificial sweetener had higher blood sugar levels causing them to over eat than mice on a sweetener free diet. As well, aspartame has been linked to certain cancers, diabetes and fibromyalgia. Healthier sugar options are raw honey, stevia and coconut sugar.
Processed Meats
Deli meats are typically made with meats from animals injected with growth hormones, antibiotics and other veterinary drugs. These meats also may contain sodium nitrite and other chemical flavorings and dyes. Processed meats should absolutely be avoided as they may increase your risk of cancer. Fresh organically-raised or grass feed meats or wild caught fish are healthier options.
Microwave Popcorn
Chemicals in the lining of the bag, are part of a class of compounds that may be linked to infertility in humans, as well in animal testing the chemicals cause certain cancers. Studies show that microwaving causes the chemicals to vaporize and transfer into your popcorn. These chemicals can stay in your body for years and be accumulated, which is why researchers are concerned that levels in humans could amount to levels causing certain cancers. Instead, use an air popper to cook popcorn and top with cinnamon or spices for savory treat!
Peanut Butter 
Peanut butter may seem healthy however it can also sabotage your health. Not only are peanuts grown in warm, moist and moldy soils after harvesting they are stored in humid silos, with a toxic mold called Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus which can effect your health. This mold carries a very toxic substance called aflatoxin that can cause cancer. Also, peanuts are high in omega 6 fatty acids, which can increase the risk of inflammatory conditions such as, diabetes, asthma, allergies, and weight gain. Instead, try all natural organic almond butter. Almonds are high in protein, manganese, magnesium, and vitamin E.
Learn how you can start eating healthier today with my Classic Whole Food Lifestyle Transformation
Karen is a Holistic Lifestyle & Fitness Expert on a mission to cut through the over-complicated B.S. around food, health and well-being so that busy women, can learn how to transform their bodies and nourish their souls so they can feel strong, fit and confident.
