Join Mud Run Training's Certified Nutritionist (Laura Wooten M.P.H.) with her post of new information to assist you in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.  To join our weekly menu plan, for individual nutritional guidance (or to schedule a personal nutritional consultation) contact Laura  at- laura@bodyshopathletics.com

 

THINGS YOU MAY THINK ARE HEALTHY, BUT ARE NOT

 1.    WRAPS: They are likely NOT whole grain or have any fiber or nutrients. If it says spinach you are actually getting close to no spinach at all!

2.    VEGGIE BURGERS: Processed and filled with yeast, corn starch and preservatives. The amount of veggies is negligible and if it says it has more than 10g protein it has more wheat gluten and soy protein than vegetable protein.

3.    COUSCOUS: The main ingredient is likely semolina flour (like white pasta) unless it says WHOLE WHEAT COUSCOUS (do this or quinoa instead).

4.    GLUTEN-FREE BREAD AND OTHER FOODS: Gluten-Free does not translate to healthy (nor does organic).  The only people that need gluten-free products are those that have been tested and diagnosed with Celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Gluten-free products are missing key nutrients like fiber and B vitamins!

5.    TACO, CHEF AND GREEK SALADS: YEP! Salads can be a high-calorie bomb! They have processed, high sodium meats, fully saturated cheeses, high fat dressings and often have processed chips or crackers on the side!

6.     BAKED CHIPS:Still a processed food. More ingredients than the fried and sometimes even with sugar and other ingredients like soy lecithin and cornstarch as additives.

7.    ANTIOXIDANT/VITAMIN FORTIFIED FOODS: Antioxidants in fruits and veggies are natural. Just because a package says its “antioxidant-boosted or powered” it could simply have a vitamin E powder mixed in. Check the label for plant ingredients.

8.    ORGANIC: DON’T assume this means the food is more nutritious or lower in fat, sugar or calories. And organic cookie is STILL A COOKIE! Even worse is they can be free of pesticides but still be exposed to synthetic agricultural chemicals in the soil or during warehousing!

9.    ENERGY/PROTEIN BARS: Energy bars usually contain protein and fiber—nutrients that help you feel full but also may be loaded with calories. You might as well enjoy Snickers! Look at the ingredients first! Whole grains, protein like nuts and seeds should be first, sugar last!

10. GRANOLA/Trail Mixes: They often sound healthy but MORE often high       in fat, sugar and calories. Don’t be fooled by a seemingly reasonable   calorie count – LOOK AT THE PORTION SIZE, as they are usually a skimpy 1⁄4 or 1⁄2 cup.  Make your own with real ingredients like oats, nuts, seeds, dehydrated or freeze dried fruit and spices and create your    own snack size baggies. It’s easy!!!!