8 Diet-Busters That Only Seem Healthy - Page 8

Energy drinks.

They’re often packed with sugar and the stimulants may be dangerous. Consuming just 16 ounces of an energy drink elevates blood pressure and stress hormones in young, healthy adults, according to a 2015 study by the American Heart Association. Sport drinks, which contain minerals and electrolytes to replace water and electrolytes lost through sweating during exercise, are a better bet, but probably unnecessary, and should be sugar-free. 

Some other products with false pretentions to healthfulness include light or low-carb beer, diet soda, rice crackers, white-rice sushi, and bottled ice tea and water. 

Try eating mostly foods that don’t come with label, says Mike Gorski, a registered dietitian and personal trainer. His list of fake-healthful products includes sugary snacks labeled gluten-free, artificially-sweetened products, and junk food with organic ingredients.  

Your self-control may be less of an issue than you think. You don’t have to suffer: Jeffers suggests letting yourself indulge occasionally in less-than-healthful foods, but for no more than a quarter of your calories. Cutting out some bad habits may go a long way.

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