Processed foods, while convenient, are associated with health risks, including blood sugar spikes and weight gain.
Experts Michelle Saari, Lisa Richards and Juliana Tamayo identified breakfast cereals, baked goods, granola bars, sweetened drinks and sweetened yogurt as the main culprits in a She Finds article.
1. Breakfast cereal. Most of them contain refined sugars and carbohydrates, which increase blood sugar levels. Saari advises choosing cereals with less than 10 percent of calories from sugar or no added sugar, pairing them with fiber-rich fruits and protein-rich milk.
2. Baking. Baked goods and cookies contain a lot of sugar and fat, which negatively affects your health. Saari recommends choosing homemade options, such as peanut butter and banana toast.
3. Granola bars. Often marketed as healthy, they are high in sugar and calories. Saari recommends making your own mixture with nuts, popcorn or fruit to better control your blood sugar.
4. Sweetened drinks. Sodas and fruit drinks contain excess sugar, which leads to spikes in blood sugar and weight gain. Richards warns against using them regularly due to the increased risk of developing insulin resistance.
5. Sweetened yogurt. Commercial varieties are high in sugar and low in protein. Tamayo advises choosing simple options with added fruit for a healthier option.
Cursor previously wrote about why you shouldn’t brush your teeth after breakfast.
