7 Popular "Health Foods" Nutritionists Never Eat (And What to Choose Instead)
As a holistic nutritionist and founder of Joy Villa Fitness, I see it all the time—women (and men) trying their best to eat healthy, only to be tricked by sneaky marketing labels and processed products pretending to be good for you. Just because it says "natural," "low-fat," or "plant-based" doesn't mean it's nourishing your body. Here are 7 popular "health" foods I never eat—and what I recommend instead:
Flavored Yogurt
Why I skip it: Packed with added sugars, artificial flavors, and preservatives. Some have as much sugar as a donut!
What I eat instead: Plain, full-fat Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt with a handful of berries and cinnamon.
RELATED: 8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat
Granola Bars
Why I skip it: Most are glorified candy bars, full of sugar, seed oils, and additives.
What I eat instead: Homemade energy bites with nuts, seeds, protein powder, and a touch of honey—or just a handful of almonds and a boiled egg for real fuel.
Store-Bought Veggie Chips
Why I skip it: Fried in inflammatory oils and stripped of nutrients.
What I eat instead: Baked kale chips with sea salt and avocado oil—or crunchy cucumber and bell pepper slices with hummus.
Diet Soda or "Zero-Calorie" Drinks
Why I skip it: Artificial sweeteners disrupt your gut, trigger cravings, and are linked to long-term health risks.
What I drink instead: Sparkling mineral water with lemon or stevia-sweetened herbal iced teas.
RELATED: 20 Foods You Didn't Know Were Ultra-Processed
Processed Plant-Based Meats
Why I skip it: Highly processed, loaded with GMO soy, chemicals, and fake flavors.
What I eat instead: Grilled tempeh, wild-caught fish, or grass-fed beef—REAL food from nature.
Low-Fat or Fat-Free Anything
Why I skip it: Stripping out fat often means adding sugar or chemicals to make it taste good. Your body needs healthy fats for hormones, brain health, and metabolism.
What I eat instead: Full-fat, real foods like avocado, olive oil, grass-fed butter, and fatty fish.
Pre-Made Smoothies or Juices from Chains
Why I skip it: Most are sugar bombs in disguise—some with over 50 grams of sugar in one drink.
What I drink instead: Homemade smoothies with protein powder, greens, berries, and unsweetened almond milk. You control what goes in your body!
RELATED: I'm a Nutritionist and These are the Best Banana Recipes For Weight Loss
Final Word from Coach Joy
Just because it's marketed as healthy doesn't mean it aligns with your goals or your body. Real health is simple. Stick to whole foods, read labels, and don't fall for the hype. Your body is a temple—honor it! And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.
