When it comes to maintaining good health and longevity, we often focus on eating nutritious foods and staying active. However, there are certain foods, drinks, and oils that can be detrimental to our health if consumed in excess or regularly. In this article, we’ll explore the 100 most dangerous items you should avoid in the grocery store to promote real, true, and lasting health.
You’ll notice a common theme with these foods and drinks. Sugar is one of the most dangerous and harmful culprits. At the end of the article I’ll share a few alternative ideas for healthy snacks, foods and sweeteners that will make it easier to enjoy the edible goodness that you enjoy with junk food but with healthy food instead.
1. Sugary Drinks: Sodas, energy drinks, and sweetened beverages can contribute to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
2. Artificial Sweeteners: While marketed as a low-calorie alternative, artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose may have negative effects on metabolism and gut health.
3. Trans Fats: Found in many processed foods, trans fats raise bad cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease.
4. Deep-Fried Foods: High in unhealthy fats and calories, deep-fried foods can lead to weight gain and cardiovascular issues.
5. Processed Meats: Deli meats, hot dogs, and bacon contain preservatives and additives linked to cancer and heart disease.
6. High-Sodium Foods: Excessive sodium intake from processed foods can raise blood pressure and strain the heart. Especially when you’re deficient in potassium and magnesium, other key minerals that balance the proper mineral ratio in the body. Sodium is not bad, but high sodium and low magnesium and potassium can be very harmful.
7. Margarine: Often high in trans fats, margarine can be detrimental to heart health despite being marketed as a butter substitute.
8. Artificial Food Coloring: Found in many packaged foods, artificial food coloring has been linked to hyperactivity in children and may have long-term health effects.
9. High-Fructose Corn Syrup: Commonly used in sweetened beverages and processed foods, high-fructose corn syrup is linked to obesity, insulin resistance, and fatty liver disease.
10. Alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption can damage the liver, increase the risk of certain cancers, and contribute to mental health issues.
11. Hydrogenated Oils: These oils, often found in processed foods, contain trans fats that are harmful to cardiovascular health.
12. Canned Foods with BPA: Bisphenol A (BPA) in canned foods can disrupt hormone balance and has been linked to various health issues.
13. Microwave Popcorn: The artificial butter flavoring in microwave popcorn contains diacetyl, a chemical linked to lung damage.
14. Non-Organic Produce: Conventionally grown fruits and vegetables may contain pesticide residues that can be harmful to health over time.
15. Processed Breakfast Cereals: Many breakfast cereals are loaded with sugar, artificial additives, and refined grains, contributing to blood sugar spikes and cravings.
16. Instant Noodles: High in sodium, unhealthy fats, and preservatives, instant noodles offer little nutritional value and can harm cardiovascular health.
17. Margarine-Based Spreads: Similar to margarine, these spreads often contain trans fats and unhealthy additives.
18. Diet Foods: Many low-fat or diet foods are highly processed and contain artificial ingredients that can be detrimental to overall health.
19. Energy Bars: While marketed as healthy snacks, many energy bars are high in sugar, artificial ingredients, and preservatives. Try Superfood bars from Paleovalley instead. Click here to get 15% off!
20. Fruit Juices: Packaged fruit juices often contain added sugars and lack the fiber and nutrients found in whole fruits.
21. White Bread: Highly processed and low in nutrients, white bread can spike blood sugar levels and contribute to weight gain.
22. Non-Organic, Feedlot Meat: Loaded with unhealthy fats, sodium, and additives, fast food burgers can increase the risk of obesity and heart disease. These animals (chickens, cows, farm raised fish) are also full of GMO feed which causes your body to be in a state of inflammation.
23. Sugary Breakfast Pastries: Donuts, muffins, and pastries are high in sugar, unhealthy fats, and refined grains.
24. Flavored Yogurts: Many flavored yogurts contain high amounts of added sugars, artificial flavors, and preservatives.
25. Sports Drinks: While marketed for hydration, sports drinks often contain high amounts of sugar and artificial ingredients.
26. Potato Chips: Fried and high in unhealthy fats, potato chips can contribute to weight gain and cardiovascular issues.
27. Commercial Salad Dressings: Many store-bought salad dressings are high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and artificial additives as well as GMO oils that harm digestion and cellular health.
28. White Rice: Similar to white bread, white rice is a refined grain that can spike blood sugar levels and contribute to insulin resistance.
29. Canned Soups: High in sodium and often containing artificial additives, canned soups may contribute to high blood pressure and inflammation.
30. Pre-Packaged Deli Salads: These salads often contain high-fat dressings, preservatives, and sodium.
31. Flavored Coffee Creamers: Loaded with sugar, artificial flavors, and unhealthy fats, flavored coffee creamers can negatively impact health.
32. Store-Bought Smoothies: Many pre-made smoothies are high in sugar and lack fiber and nutrients found in homemade versions.
33. Margarine-Based Baking Products: Margarine used in baking products can contain trans fats and unhealthy additives.
Get organic, extra virgin, cold-pressed olive oil from Greece instead. I use Kasandrinos Olive oil. Click here to visit!
Use the discount code: Healthywildfree to get 10% off your order!
34. Processed Cheese: High in sodium, saturated fats, and additives, processed cheese is detrimental to heart health.
35. Creamy Salad Dressings: Cream-based salad dressings are high in unhealthy fats and calories.
36. Instant Mashed Potatoes: Often high in sodium, preservatives, and unhealthy fats, instant mashed potatoes lack the nutrients of fresh potatoes.
37. Commercial Ice Cream: Loaded with sugar, unhealthy fats, and artificial additives, commercial ice cream can contribute to weight gain and inflammation.
38. Bottled Sweet Teas: Many bottled teas contain high amounts of added sugars, artificial flavors, and preservatives.
39. Microwaveable Dinners: Convenience meals are often high in sodium, unhealthy fats, and artificial additives.
40. Granola Bars: While marketed as healthy snacks, many granola bars are high in sugar, unhealthy fats, and artificial ingredients. Instead of granola bars which are high in sugar and carbs, try paleovalley superfood bars which are very nutritionally dense. Get 15% off superfood bars by clicking here.
41. Condensed Soups: High in sodium, preservatives, and unhealthy fats, condensed soups lack nutritional value.
42. Flavored Potato Chips: These chips often contain artificial flavors, unhealthy fats, and high sodium levels.
43. Instant Ramen Noodles: High in sodium, unhealthy fats, and preservatives, instant ramen noodles offer little nutritional value.
44. Boxed Macaroni and Cheese: Loaded with sodium, artificial colors, and unhealthy fats, boxed macaroni and cheese lacks nutritional value.
45. Frozen Pizza: High in sodium, unhealthy fats, and preservatives, frozen pizzas can contribute to weight gain and heart issues.
46. Processed Meat Snacks: Most jerky and processed meat snacks made from low quality meat that is fed GMO’s. I recommend getting paleovalley grass fed beef sticks which are delicious and nutritious. Get 15% off by clicking here!
47. Sweetened Condensed Milk: High in sugar and unhealthy fats, sweetened condensed milk is detrimental to health.
48. Flavored Rice Mixes: These mixes often contain high amounts of sodium, artificial flavors, and preservatives.
49. Cake Mixes: High in sugar, unhealthy fats, and artificial ingredients, cake mixes lack nutritional value.
50. Flavored Oatmeals: Instant flavored oatmeals can be high in sugar, artificial flavors, and preservatives. Most oats even organic contain glyphosate as well which is a toxic pesticide that harms gut health.
51. Non-Dairy Creamers: Many non-dairy creamers are high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and artificial ingredients.
52. Pre-Packaged Cookies: High in sugar, unhealthy fats, and artificial additives, pre-packaged cookies are unhealthy snacks.
53. Frozen Chicken Nuggets: Processed and fried, frozen chicken nuggets are high in low quality salt and sodium, and additives. They are also full of hormones and other toxic things that chickens are pumped with in commercial operations.
54. Bottled Smoothies: Many bottled smoothies are high in added sugars, artificial flavors, and lack fiber.
55. Shelf-Stable Pastries: Packaged pastries can be high in sugar, unhealthy fats, and artificial additives.
56. Frostings and Icings: Loaded with sugar, unhealthy fats, and artificial colors, frostings and icings are unhealthy toppings.
57. Flavored Syrups: Used in coffee drinks and desserts, flavored syrups are high in sugar and artificial ingredients.
58. Ready-to-Eat Popcorn: Flavored popcorn can be high in unhealthy fats, sodium, and artificial additives.
59. Instant Pancake Mixes: High in sugar, unhealthy fats, and artificial ingredients, instant pancake mixes lack nutritional value.
60. Fruit Snacks: Often high in sugar, artificial flavors, and colors, fruit snacks lack the nutrients of real fruit.
61. Fruit Cocktail in Syrup: Canned fruit cocktails in syrup are high in added sugars and lack nutritional value.
62. Sweetened Flavored Water: Many flavored waters contain added sugars, artificial flavors, and colors.
If you want a delicious drink try Asarasi water. It’s a flavored maple water, rich in minerals and delicious as well!
63. Flavored Alcoholic Beverages: Cocktails and flavored alcoholic drinks can be high in sugars and calories. For that matter, add alcohol to the list in general. Alcohol is horrible for your liver and brain health.
64. Flavored Yogurt Drinks: Similar to flavored yogurts, yogurt drinks can be high in added sugars and artificial flavors.
65. Packaged Frostings: High in sugar, unhealthy fats, and artificial ingredients, packaged frostings are unhealthy toppings.
66. Instant Hot Chocolate Mixes: High in sugar, unhealthy fats, and artificial flavors, instant hot chocolate mixes lack nutritional value.
67. Store-Bought Salsa: Many store-bought salsas are high in sodium, preservatives, and artificial flavors. They also tend to not be organic and tomatoes are high in pesticides.
68. Pre-Made Cookie Dough: Loaded with sugar, unhealthy fats, and artificial ingredients, pre-made cookie dough is unhealthy.
69. Packaged Biscuits and Rolls: High in sugar, unhealthy fats, and artificial ingredients, packaged biscuits and rolls lack nutritional value.
70. Flavored Whipped Cream: High in sugar, unhealthy fats, and artificial flavors, flavored whipped creams are unhealthy toppings.
71. Packaged Brownie Mixes: High in sugar, unhealthy fats, and artificial ingredients, packaged brownie mixes lack nutritional value.
72. Flavored Peanut Butter: Many flavored peanut butters contain added sugars and artificial flavors. Even regular peanut butter is inflammatory and harmful to gut health.
73. Bottled Salad Dressings: Many bottled salad dressings are high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and artificial additives.
74. Flavored Rice Cakes: High in added sugars and artificial flavors, flavored rice cakes lack nutritional value.
75. Instant Pudding Mixes: High in sugar, unhealthy fats, and artificial flavors, instant pudding mixes lack nutritional value.
76. Packaged Snack Cakes: High in sugar, unhealthy fats, and artificial ingredients, packaged snack cakes are unhealthy snacks.
77. Canned Frostings: Loaded with sugar, unhealthy fats, and artificial ingredients, canned frostings are unhealthy toppings.
78. Flavored Croutons: High in sodium, unhealthy fats, and artificial flavors, flavored croutons lack nutritional value.
79. Instant Gravy Mixes: High in sodium, preservatives, and unhealthy fats, instant gravy mixes lack nutritional value.
80. Flavored Rice Krispies Treats: High in sugar, unhealthy fats, and artificial flavors, flavored rice krispies treats are unhealthy snacks.
81. Packaged Fruit Pies: High in sugar, unhealthy fats, and artificial ingredients, packaged fruit pies lack nutritional value.
82. Flavored Pasta: Some flavored pastas can be high in sodium, unhealthy fats, and artificial flavors.
83. Instant Flavored Gelatin: High in sugar, artificial colors, and flavors, instant flavored gelatin lacks nutritional value.
84. Packaged Donut Mixes: High in sugar, unhealthy fats, and artificial ingredients, packaged donut mixes lack nutritional value.
85. Flavored Marshmallows: High in sugar, artificial colors, and flavors, flavored marshmallows lack nutritional value.
86. Canned Chili: Many canned chili products are high in sodium, preservatives, and unhealthy fats.
87. Packaged Cupcakes: High in sugar, unhealthy fats, and artificial ingredients, packaged cupcakes are unhealthy snacks.
88. Flavored Corn Chips: High in unhealthy fats, sodium, and artificial flavors, flavored corn chips lack nutritional value.
89. Instant Muffin Mixes: High in sugar, unhealthy fats, and artificial ingredients, instant muffin mixes lack nutritional value.
90. Flavored Pretzels: High in sodium, unhealthy fats, and artificial flavors, flavored pretzels lack nutritional value.
91. Canned Pasta Meals: High in sodium, preservatives, and unhealthy fats, canned pasta meals lack nutritional value.
92. Packaged Brownie Mixes: High in sugar, unhealthy fats, and artificial ingredients, packaged brownie mixes lack nutritional value.
93. Flavored Pancake Syrups: High in sugar, artificial flavors, and colors, flavored pancake syrups are unhealthy toppings.
94. Instant Macaroni and Cheese: High in sodium, preservatives, and unhealthy fats, instant macaroni and cheese lacks nutritional value.
95. Flavored Crackers: High in sodium, unhealthy fats, and artificial flavors, flavored crackers lack nutritional value.
96. Packaged Pudding Cups: High in sugar, unhealthy fats, and artificial flavors, packaged pudding cups lack nutritional value.
97. Bottled Gravies: High in sodium, preservatives, and unhealthy fats, bottled gravies lack nutritional value.
98. Flavored Wafers: High in sugar, unhealthy fats, and artificial flavors, flavored wafers lack nutritional value.
99. Canned Pasta Sauces: Many canned pasta sauces are high in sodium, preservatives, and unhealthy fats.
100. Packaged Frosting Mixes: High in sugar, unhealthy fats, and artificial ingredients, packaged frosting mixes lack nutritional value.
Conclusion:
There are always replacements for unhealthy foods. If you swap the junk for healthier versions your health will improve and you’ll prevent harmful diseases. Below are some companies that I personally order from and use. Each brand below has a discount code also, so i’ve done the research and made it cheaper for you to be healthy. Enjoy!
Resources:
1. Click here to get superfood bars and grass fed jerky for 15% off from Paleovalley.
2. Click here to get Organic, extra virgin olive oil from Greece.
Use the discount code: Healthywildfree to get 10% off your order!
3. Click here to get Stevia from Omica Organics, this is the best sugar replacement and Omica Organics (click here to visit) has delicious stevia in flavors such as butterscotch, vanilla and sweet blossom. These are great in drinks, teas, coffee and more. Use the discount code: VFDF7M to get 10% off your order. Enjoy! It’s delicious.
Feel free to join our wellness newsletter at HealthyWildFree.com to get a free lymphatic & sleep health course valued at $99 absolutely free!
