Don’t eat these seemingly harmless foods if you want health!

Most of us eat certain foods we consider healthy without thinking twice. However, doctors warn even innocent seemingly harmless foods could secretly be damaging your body. Here are their top foods to avoid for optimal wellness.

Packaged smoothies

With claims of containing fruit, veggies and superfoods, bottled smoothies sound like a seemingly harmless foods. But the reality can be less healthy.

Many pre-made smoothies are loaded with added sugars and calorie-dense fruit juices that spike blood sugar. They often lack fiber from whole fruits and veggies. And they’re pasteurized, removing raw enzymes and nutrients.

For the most benefits, make homemade smoothies using whole fruits and greens. Or opt for freshly extracted juices instead.

Granola

Crunchy, tasty granola seems like the epitome of wholesome snacking. But while oats are nutritious, granola can be surprisingly high in fat, calories and added sugars like honey or maple syrup. And those additions usually trump any benefit from the oats themselves.

For a healthier option, stick to plain oatmeal with fresh or dried fruit added. Or make your own low sugar granola at home.

Veggie chips

It’s understandable to assume anything labeled “veggie” must be good for you. But veggie chips, made from ingredients like peas, lentils or beets, are often just as high in salt, calories and fat as regular potato chips.

For a similar crunch without the junk, opt for snacks like sliced bell peppers with hummus or DIY kale chips made from whole leaves.

Bottled green juices

A bottled green juice sounds virtuous and refreshing. However, most commercial varieties have less vegetables than you’d expect. Many are made with cheap, quick juicing greens like lettuce and spinach which lack nutrients compared to kale or chard.

And without the fiber from whole veggies, blood sugar spikes. You’re better off making a green smoothie or juice at home packed with quality produce.

Vitaminwater

Despite the name, Vitaminwater is mostly just sugar and artificial flavors. A standard 20oz bottle contains around 120 calories and a whopping 32g of sugar – almost as much as a can of Coke!

The small amounts of added vitamins don’t make up for the blood sugar crash from all that sucrose. You’ll get way more nutrition from plain water with a squeeze of citrus.

Pre-made oatmeal cups

Those handy microwavable oatmeal cups seem like the perfect breakfast for busy mornings. But what you gain in convenience, you lose in nutrition.

Many pre-made oatmeal flavors contain lots of added sugar and salt, artificial flavors, and not as much fiber as steel cut or rolled oats cooked from scratch.

Take a few extra minutes to prepare your own oatmeal with healthy toppings like fresh fruit, nuts and cinnamon.

Rice cakes

Light and crispy rice cakes make for the quintessential low-cal snack. But these crunchy disks offer little real nutrition. Made from reconstituted rice, they ranking high on the glycemic index, meaning they spike blood sugar fast.

Choose fiber-rich snacks like fresh fruit, veggies and hummus instead to properly fuel your body between meals.

Fat-free salad dressings

Ordering fat-free dressing may seem “healthy” but these sauces are usually packed with extra sugars and salt to replace the flavor normally provided by oils. You’ll get a massive dose of empty calories without any of the satiating healthy fats.

Opt for full-fat salad dressings made from quality oils like olive or avocado instead and watch your portions.