9 Foods That Many Mistake for Being Healthy
Our expert: Natalia Bogdankevich, Nutritionist and Dietitian
Many foods become popular due to trends that recommend them as superfoods. However, they are not always as helpful as advertised. Let’s look at some you should know about.
Quinoa: Many call quinoa a modern dietary alternative to white rice and an excellent source of protein. This is not far from the truth, as it contains many vitamins and trace elements, and is well worthy of inclusion in the diet. However, 100 grams of quinoa contains 222 calories, which is even more than rice.
Rice krispie treats: Is this a light, healthy snack? No — in terms of calories, rice krispies are no different from regular crackers! They contain over 300 calories per 100 grams, or even more with other ingredients.
Chia seeds: One tablespoon of chia seeds has 70 calories. And since chia is often added generously to smoothies, it’s a good idea to remember that the caloric value of the drink can triple if you do so! Speaking of smoothies…
Smoothie: A puree drink made from berries, fruits, or vegetables ground in a blender with additional ingredients is considered by many to be a staple of healthy eating and good health. However, let’s count the calories. For example, if you make a smoothie from banana, oatmeal, and chia (all healthy, right?) and drink a glass, you will consume 500 calories. This is one-third of the daily allowance for many people!
Olive oil: Two tablespoons of olive oil has almost 250 calories. Olive oil should be present in the diet as a source of healthy fats — however, when adding it to a salad, make sure to use it sparingly.
Sushi rolls: “California” rolls contain 176 calories per 100 grams, and hot rolls can contain up to 350 calories per 100 grams. In addition, the white rice in the composition is a source of simple carbohydrates that are relatively unhealthy.
Hummus: What is this delicious product made of? Chickpea puree with sesame seeds, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and paprika There can be at least 166 calories in just 100 grams. That’s only slightly less than French fries, which have 170.
Granola: Granola is a mix of oatmeal, honey, nuts, and rice that is baked and topped with berries — sweet ones, of course. The standard granola sold at any supermarket contains an average of 500 calories per 100 grams. And almost all of these calories come from “fast” carbohydrates, which means you won’t feel full for long.
Muesli: Muesli is essentially the same as granola, only without the baking: granola is 100 kcal “lighter” than granola, but they also usually contain a lot of sugar and high-calorie additives.
