As more people in the U.S. shift towards healthier eating habits, certain daily food and drink choices can interfere with those goals.
Nutrition experts recently shared insights on foods and beverages that can be more harmful than many realize.
These everyday items range from drinks to snacks, prompting experts to encourage a closer examination of what people consume.
Here’s a look at some of the offenders and the reasoning behind their inclusion on this list.
1. Frozen meals
While the convenience of frozen meals is appealing, they often come with hidden health risks, according to Alma Simmons, a registered dietitian at Ohio State University.
Many of these meals exceed half of the recommended daily sodium limit, which could lead to increased blood pressure and other issues.
“In addition, they often contain unhealthy fats, preservatives, and substances that can promote inflammation and possibly even raise cancer risks,” she noted.
She also pointed out that heating frozen meals in plastics—even those labeled “microwave-safe”—can release harmful chemicals into the food.
Another expert, Julia Zumpano from the Cleveland Clinic’s Human Nutrition Center, emphasizes that these meals tend to be low in essential nutrients.
“Consuming them regularly, especially without pairing with nutrient-rich foods, could lead to deficiencies,” she added.
2. Diet Soda
When it comes to diet sodas, Simmons advises caution as they may disrupt gut health.
“The artificial sweeteners in these drinks can affect gut microbiota and insulin sensitivity,” she explained.
She also mentioned that the acidity found in diet sodas can damage teeth, much like their sugary counterparts.
Zumpano echoed this advice, noting that diet sodas may increase triglyceride levels and blood sugar, making weight management more challenging.
“They can lead to heightened cravings for sweets and carbs, undermining your diet efforts,” she cautioned.
3. Potato chips
Nutritionist Lauren Moneyker from South Carolina warns that potato chips are loaded with salt, unhealthy fats, and calories, making them a poor choice for regular snacking.
“Daily consumption can contribute to high blood pressure and overeating because they provide little nutritional value,” she said.
She recommends treating chips as an occasional indulgence or swapping them out for more nutritious options like air-popped popcorn or roasted chickpeas.
4. Sweet coffee drinks
While sweet coffee beverages might be a daily joy for some, they can trigger health issues.
Moneyker warns that high sugar content in flavored coffee drinks can cause blood sugar spikes followed by fatigue.
“Some lattes and frappuccinos contain more sugar than desserts,” she noted.
“Regular consumption can lead to energy fluctuations and weight gain,” she added, suggesting people retrain their taste buds with unsweetened coffee and save the sweeter drinks for occasional treats.
5. Alcohol
For many, cutting back on alcohol is a tough challenge.
Consuming alcohol daily can stress the liver and disrupt sleep, increasing the risk of chronic health issues down the line, according to Moneyker.
“Even small amounts can add up over time,” she cautioned.
The empty calories and potential mood effects make it a habit to reconsider. She recommends limiting alcohol consumption throughout the week.
“Always stay hydrated with water, and consider options like mocktails,” she advises.
