Billions of marketing dollars are spent each year by companies who want you to believe their products are healthier than they actually are. Beware of fake health foods. Here are three examples:
#1: Protein bars
Most protein bars are full of artificial ingredients and added sugar. They are candy bars in disguise.
For example, Gatorade makes a whey protein bar with more sugar and a longer list of ingredients than a Snickers bar.
#2: Sports drinks and energy drinks
Most sports drinks and energy drinks contain as much sugar and as many artificial additives as soda.
For example, a 20-ounce VitaminWater contains over 30 grams of sugar, which is about the same amount of sugar found in 10 ounces of soda.
“SugarWater” would be a more accurate name for this misleading drink.
#3: “Blank-free” foods
This is a catch-all category that I use to refer to any food that is free of something that is supposedly bad for you. That includes items that are “fat-free” or “sugar-free” or “gluten-free.”
Beware of packaged foods that advertise what they are free of.
How do manufacturers make these products taste good without the fat, sugar, or gluten? They add artificial sugar substitutes and other unhealthy ingredients to enhance taste and shelf life.
Here’s the bottom line: read nutrition labels before you eat or drink any product. Just because a food or drink sounds healthy, that does not mean it actually is.
About the Author
Pete Leibman is a well-being and peak performance expert and the Founder of Arlington Sports Conditioning (ASC). Over the last 15+ years, Pete has helped thousands of people get faster, stronger, and fitter. Pete is the author of two books and more than 300 articles. His work has been featured through Fox, CBS, Fortune, Business Insider, and many others.
First Time Here?
Check out our Trial Offer for two weeks of unlimited ASC workouts: