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10 Popular Snacks That Might Be Ruining Your Diet

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Snacks are supposed to be quick, fun, and satisfying, right? But some of our go-to munchies might be doing more harm than good. Believe it or not, “healthy” doesn’t always mean helpful. Read on to find out which popular snacks are secretly undermining your health goals, one bite at a time.

Granola Bars

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Some granola bars contain lots of sugars, turning a nutritious snack into more of a candy bar. The refined grains and sweeteners present in these bars cause a fast blood sugar hike, followed by a crash, leaving you wanting more. To avoid this, look for bars made with whole grains and low sugar.

Protein Bars

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Don’t think all protein bars are healthy, either. The truth is that even some popular bars are packed with added sugars, artificial fillers, and almost as many calories as chocolate or candy. To avoid sugar overload, whole foods like nuts and fruits are a smarter choice.

Dried Fruit

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Did you know fresh fruit provides all the sweetness with none of the sugar overloads? But not the dried version, because the concentrate has calories and is doused in added sugars. A handful of dried mangoes, for example, can have more sugar than a chocolate bar. 

Flavored Yogurt Cups

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Although flavored yogurt tastes delicious, it often hides around 20 grams of added sugar—almost the same as a dessert! If plain Greek yogurt with fresh fruit isn’t already your go-to, it’s time to consider switching. Less sugar and more fiber mean a steadier blood sugar level.

Veggie Chips

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These colorful, vegetarian chips are generally just potato-based snacks and colored veggie powders. Despite their wholesome appearance, most are fried and high in sodium. When the craving for something crispy hits, nothing can replace a salad made of raw veggies and healthy spices.

Smoothies

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Bottled smoothies and some shop-bought options mostly have added sugars, juice concentrates, or even syrups. The best way to keep it diet-friendly is to blend your own smoothie at home using fresh fruits, leafy greens, and a protein boost for a filling, balanced option.

Trail Mix

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What’s in your trail mix? Some combos include chocolate, sweetened dried fruits, and heavily salted nuts, making it more of a dessert than a snack. Skip the empty calories by creating your own snack mix with simple nuts and a small handful of dried fruit for a crunchy, healthy treat.

Rice Cakes

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Rice cakes are light on calories—and nutrients. However, without fiber or protein, these airy snacks won’t keep you satisfied for long. Add a topping like avocado or nut butter to give it some staying power. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself reaching for another snack in no time.

Popcorn

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Plain popcorn is a low-calorie snack, but pre-packaged or movie theater versions? Not so much! Loaded with butter, oil, and salt, they pack in calories quickly. Air-popped popcorn is the perfect way to enjoy a light, guilt-free snack—simply pop it yourself and season sparingly for the best flavor.

Pretzels

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Who knew pretzels could be so tricky? They’re mostly just refined carbs with little protein or fiber. Without those, they break down fast, leaving you hungry. For a more fulfilling crunch, try pairing a handful of pretzels with nuts or cheese. 



Written by Gabriel Rickles

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