Foods That Seem Healthy But Aren’t

Back in January, Dr. V. Kuzinkovas and the team at Advanced Surgicare blogged about what makes a food item nutritious. To piggyback on that topic, the team thought we would reveal the truth about foods that may seem healthy, but actually aren’t. If you regularly consume any of these products, you may want to re-evaluate your choices!

Frozen Meals

Microwavable frozen meals are easy to prepare and convenient to pack for a workday lunch. They boast low calorie counts, which might sound great to a dieter, but they are also low in nutrients. And, frozen meals are packed with sodium. Instead of microwaving a frozen meal for lunch, opt for last night’s leftovers, or a salad.

“Light” Olive Oil

Have you been using light olive oil to sauté your veggies and proteins, believing it is lower in calories than regular olive oil? Unfortunately, the “light” moniker is misleading. “Light” refers to the color of the oil, not the number of calories. Both light and regular olive oil have the same amount of fat and calories. You can continue to use the oil in cooking and salad dressings, but don’t use more than necessary (one tablespoon is probably enough).

Bottled Green Juices

Bottled green juices plucked from the grocery store or smoothie bar may seem healthy, since they boast ingredients like spinach, apples and kale. However, bottled green juices are filled with sugar. If you prefer to consume your fruits and veggies in liquid form, mix up your own green juice at home, so you can control the ingredients and avoid the sugary extras. Or, if you like sipping on something sweet throughout the day, reach for a bottle of calorie-free sparkling water.

Pita Chips

Since pita chips are generally baked instead of fried, they may appear to be a healthier alternative to Lay’s potato chips or Doritos. Truthfully, many pita chips are made with enriched wheat flour, which is a refined grain lacking the nutrients found in whole-grain flour. Instead of reaching for a bag of pita chips to eat with your hummus, chop up some raw vegetables (e.g., celery, carrots, bell pepper) to dunk into the dip.

Yogurt-Covered Pretzels & Raisins

Yogurt doesn’t sound so bad, does it? Well, it’s not actually nutritious yogurt covering the pretzels or raisins. Think of it as a shelf-stable icing product made up of mostly sugar and oil (and “yogurt powder”). Enjoy this treat in moderation. Or, want a more diet-friendly choice? Mix plain raisins (nature’s candy!) into a bowl of high-fiber cereal and almonds, and add fresh fruit for a delectably sweet treat.

Final Thoughts

As a bariatric surgery patient, you must make substantial changes to your diet to lose weight and keep it off. Some of the foods listed may be prohibited in the first few weeks after surgery. These changes can seem overwhelming or confusing at first, but the Advanced Surgicare team has resources in place to help you make the transition successfully. We are happy to provide detailed nutrition information, and suggest smart meals and snacks for steady, sustainable weight loss.

For more information about post-bariatric dietary guidelines, please contact Advanced Surgicare by calling 1 300 551 533.