Thursday, May 2, 2013

Foods To Avoid

By Jacob Frankel

Making good nutritional choices isn't just about eating good foods, it's about avoiding the bad ones. A day of good eating can be undone by one stupid choice. Let's take a look at the most harmfull foods, that should be avoided at all costs.

Foods with lots of trans fats (aka hydrogenated oil)
Trans fats are the worst of the worst, raising bad cholesterol levels while at the same time lowering good cholesterol levels. They're mostly used in processed foods, to improve shelf life and give a good fatty taste without seeming like actual fat. Trans fats raise the risk of heart disease. Foods high in trans fats include:
  • Instant noodles (Saimin etc.)
  • Packaged snacks (chips, crackers, etc.)
  • Pre-made frozen microwavable dinners
  • Cakes (batter and frosting)
High sodium foods
Sodium is a fancy name for salt, and too much of it increases blood pressure, which leads to an increased risk for heart disease. What are some high sodium foods?
  • Chips
  • Instant soups, bouillon cubes, and broth 
  • Cheese
  • Cured meats (pepperoni, sausage, salami, etc.)
  • Salt (duh)
  • Salad dressings ans sauces
Bad carbs
Bad carbs are carbohydrates that are processed so much, the good is taken out of them. Things like fiber and vital nutrients are gone, leaving something that will burn to supply a quick burst of energy, but nothing long-term. Bad carbs include:

  • White rice and bread (they're white because they're stripped of fiber and nutrients)
  • Sugar

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