Many so-called healthy foods contain excessive sugar, salt and fat. Here’s what to look for – and avoid:
Breakfast cereal
Your breakfast cereal should have an ingredient list that starts with whole grains, and provides at least 5g of fibre per serving. If your brand is low in fibre, stir in some oat bran.
Fruit snacks
Yogurt-covered raisins and fruit leathers may contain added sugar and saturated fat. Opt for unadorned fruits and vegetables instead. Dried fruit is nutritious but kilojoule-dense, so make it a small snack only.
Juice
This satisfies thirst, not hunger, so you can consume a lot of kilojoules without realising it. Commercial juice can lack the fibre important for good digestion and blood sugar control. Buy 100 per cent juice with no added sugar and limit your intake. If you’re thirsty, pour a 50:50 blend of juice and sparkling water.
Soup
Like many processed foods, packaged soup may be packed with sodium. Cream soups can be high in saturated fat and partially hydrogenated fat. If you don’t have time to make your own, look for a low-sodium vegetable soup and boost the protein and fibre by stirring in a can of beans.
Yogurt
Some yogurts can contain added sugar or artificial sweeteners. Instead, learn to love the tangy flavour of plain low-fat yoghurt. Add your own fresh or dried fruit.
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