Something hit me when I went to visit a friend who has been a nutritionist for more than 20 years. I realized her pantry didn't have some things you expect to see in everyone's pantry, and out of curiosity I asked her to list some things we could never place in her shopping cart.
Let's dive into the 10 foods that rarely, if ever, make it into a nutritionist's shopping cart:
Refined Sugars
Nutritionists know the health impact of eating sugar regularly, and even if most nutritionists confess to still enjoying sweet treats when eating out, they would never add this type of product to the shopping cart.
Experts recommend opting for natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, always in moderation.
Processed Meats
Products such as bacon, sausage, and deli meats are high in sodium and preservatives and are normally a no-no in most nutritionists' shopping lists.
Nutritionists prefer lean proteins such as chicken, tofu, turkey, tempeh, etc.
Sugary Breakfast Cereals
Many breakfast cereals are loaded with sugar and low in fiber, and this is why nutritionists tend to favor whole grain options with minimal added sugars, that a healthier start to the day.
Enjoying a sugary breakfast can lead to feeling hungry shortly after eating, cravings for more sugar, and blood sugar spikes.
Margarine
Once thought to be a healthier alternative to butter, margarine has fallen out of favor due to its high trans fat content which is linked to heart disease. Nutritionists are more likely to use heart-healthy oils like olive or avocado oil.
Diet Sodas
The artificial sweeteners found in diet sodas have been a topic of debate, and are recommended to avoid by most nutritionists. While they reduce calorie intake, they may have adverse effects on metabolism and could potentially lead to weight gain and cravings for sweeter foods.
White Bread
Nutritionists wouldn't add highly processed white bread to the shopping cart. These products are poor in fiber and high in sugar, making it really easy for your blood sugar to spike. What do they buy instead? Whole wheat bread.
Frozen Dinners
While convenient, frozen dinners are often high in sodium and preservatives, lacking in nutritional quality. Nutritionists always recommend making your meals from scratch when possible, and they do the exact same thing at home.
Fruit Snacks
Many fruit snacks contain more sugar and additives than actual fruit. Nutritionists would rather buy real, fresh, or frozen fruit to get the fiber and nutrients without the added sugar, maybe we should all do the same!
Coffee Creamers
Store-bought coffee creamers are typically full of sugar and trans fats. Nutritionists avoid these and may use milk, plant-based alternatives, or spices like cinnamon to flavor their coffee.
Alcohol
Regular alcohol consumption can have numerous negative health effects. While an occasional drink is acceptable in many diets, nutritionists are conscious consumers when it comes to alcohol and often limit its presence in their shopping carts.
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