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As more people try to make better food choices, there is increasing confusion about what is actually healthy. Processed alternatives, hidden sugars and refined ingredients often disappear from the radar. Chennai-based laparoscopic and bariatric surgeon Dr. Preeti Mrinalini, in her December 22 Instagram post, shared 5 commonly eaten foods that are mistaken for healthy options. (Also read: Dwarka diabetes specialist with 24 years of experience shares 3 simple tests to diagnose diabetes early: ‘Delay is dangerous’ ,
“Many foods are marketed as ‘healthy,’ but labels don’t always tell the whole truth. As a surgeon, I see how these everyday choices impact gut health, weight, and metabolism over time,” Dr. Preeti wrote in the caption. Let’s take a look at their recommendations:
1. Granola
Granola looks healthy at first glance, but most packaged versions are sugar-heavy and calorie-dense. They often contain added sugars and refined oils, and even small portions can be surprisingly high in calories.
Better option: Homemade granola or plain oats with nuts and seeds.
2. Protein Bar
Often promoted as fitness snacks, many protein bars resemble candy bars with added whey protein. They may contain 15–25 grams of sugar, palm oil, glucose syrup and up to 300–400 calories per bar.
Better option: A hard-boiled egg with fruit or plain Greek yogurt.
3. Flavored curd
Despite being labeled “low fat,” flavored yogurts are often loaded with hidden sugars and artificial flavors. Sweet foods can also increase cravings instead of controlling them.
Better option: Top fresh fruits with plain yogurt or Greek yogurt.
4. Fruit Juice
Even cold-pressed juices are not as healthy as they appear. Drinking juice removes the fiber, spikes sugar and increases insulin, and within minutes you feel hungry again.
Better option: Eat whole fruits to maintain fiber and slow sugar absorption.
5. Veggie Chips
Often marketed as a guilt-free snack, veggie chips are usually made from potatoes or corn flour with added colors. They are deep fried and contain the same amount of salt and fat as regular chips.
Better option: A boiled egg or a bowl of Greek yogurt with fruit.
,Granola, protein bars, flavored yogurt, juice and veggie chips aren’t bad foods, but most packaged versions are high in sugar, refined oils and empty calories that don’t keep you full or nourished,” advises Dr Preeti.
“Healthy eating isn’t about fancy packaging or buzzwords. It’s about ingredients, portions and sustainability,” she concludes.
Note to readers: This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
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