10 Unhealthy Snacks You Need To Put A Stop On

There are many snacks you consider to be healthy but play a role in sabotaging your health. Either you are not aware of the sneaky calories present in them or the toxins involved in the packaging that might be playing a part in ruining health, keeping you unaware of it.

1. Frozen Yogurt

   When craving a frozen snack, many might consider frozen yogurt to be a healthy option instead of ice creams that are loaded with calories. Frozen yogurt contains good amount of nutrients such as calcium and protein. ⁽¹⁾

   Yes, it is healthy but if you do not top it with piles of peanut butter cup and chocolate syrup, which makes it same when compared with the health quotient of ice cream.

   To make a frozen yogurt healthy, you need to top it with fruit, nuts or maybe a little of chocolate syrup, otherwise, it may be better you treat yourself with a scoop or two of ice cream.

2. Flavored Yogurt

   Yogurt is considered good to maintain gut health. But many do not like it plain. Instead, they opt for flavored yogurt which might be loaded with sweeteners from the company.

   Instead, to enhance the flavor fresh fruits can be added. It will add a natural sweetness to the yogurt and make it more palatable for those who dislike yogurt.

3. Sugary Snacks

   While working if you notice a drop in energy, the first thing you reach out for is the sugary snack or a piece of candy. This can surely give you an immediate boost of energy but it lasts for only a short period of time and the energy level drops in.

   This is known as rebound hypoglycemia, a condition in which the body glucose falls even lower than it was before eating a sugary snack. This can make you reach out for another pierce or two of candy, which is obviously not a healthy thing to snack on.

4. Rice Cakes

   Rice cakes are also considered a healthy snacking option but come with its own set of health concerns. They surely are low in calories but made from processed rice that is high in carbohydrates and has a high glycemic index which can spike up the blood sugar level. ^{(2, 3)} And if you choose the ones which are flavored, you increase the chance of consuming extra salt and sugar.

5. Fat-Free Cheese

   Nowadays everyone looks for fat-free food. Some fats such as monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, and omega-3 fatty acids are heart-healthy fats. ^{(4, 5)} While eating fat-free food you miss out on these healthy fats. Fat-free foods are loaded with extra sugar and salt to enhance their flavors. Also, fat-free snacks due to low fat may make you less satisfied leading to eating more of it.

6. Granola

   Granola is known for its healthy ingredients which can serve the body with various nutrient benefits. But what about the sweetness added to it and portion size. Granola is usually sweetened and consuming it means you are consuming extra sugar. If you want to eat it, go for the unsweetened variety and mind the portions you consume.

7. Reduced-Fat Peanut Butter

   Peanut butter can be a yummy snack savored by many, and when you known that it is a low-fat variety, nothing better than it. This is what you might think. Peanuts are loaded with monounsaturated fat and it is best to go for their full-fat version. The fat-free version contains the same number of calories per serving as the manufacturers take out the fat and add sugar to them. It would actually be smarter of you to avoid the reduced-fat version

8. Salted Nuts

   Nuts can be a healthy option to snack on. They are available in a variety of options such as roasted, barbecued, and ranched variety. But these with extra salt, oil, and flavors put them on the unhealthy end on the scale.

9. Sugary Soda

   This is the unhealthiest thing a person can think of snacking on. They are loaded with sugar and raise the calories and the risk of numerous health conditions. Also, liquid calories go down easily. The caffeine content makes you crave more for it, making you gulp down a large quantity.

10. Protein Bars

    Proteins bars are available in varieties and are known to be a healthy snacking option. Unless organic, most of the protein bars are actually processed. They might contain artificial ingredients and fillers. If consuming more than the recommended, a protein bar maybe just a candy bar with added protein. There are definitely healthier ways to include protein from the diet than snacking on the sugar-laden bars.

There are various food options that are considered healthy by us. But are they really healthy, is a matter of concern. It is very important to know about the health parameter of food before considering it as your healthy snacking option.