7 Foods Nutritionists Never Eat For Breakfast
Unless you’ve been living in a dark, desolate place your entire life, you should know by now that eating a good breakfast sets you on the right track for the entire day. That being said, supermarkets don’t always have the healthiest options — (we’re looking at you, corn flakes!). So who better to consult than a nutritionist? This one interviewed by Prevention is pretty vocal about what to steer clear of.
Here are some breakfast foods you’ll never spot in a nutritionist’s kitchen:
1. Breakfast Cereal
Most cereals claim to have a bounty of nutrients and whole grains, but you’ll find the truth on the back of the box. Refined sugars are typically high in most cereals, and the last thing you want is to have a sugar crash during your 11 a.m. meeting. And let’s not forget that those “nutrients” are artificially added, which means they’re less likely to be absorbed.
2. Pancakes
Just admit it: these things are fit for dessert, especially with additives like chocolate chips and maple syrup, and don’t even get us started on the butter. Though there are healthy pancake recipes out there (like these), you won’t see a nutritionist reaching for flapjacks.
3. Fruit Juice
Though fruit is certainly good for you, concentrate, which unfortunately makes up the majority of packaged juices, is not. Steer clear of high-sugar liquids, which sometimes may not be so obvious.
4. Muffins
Muffins, and really any other pastry, are not only filled with lots of fat, but they’re also are packed with empty carbs and calories. Vegetable oil is also a common ingredient in these treats, so basically, the only healthy ingredient you’re consuming is eggs.
5. Non-Fat Yogurt
Yogurt seems like a safe choice, especially anything low in fat, but low-fat foods aren’t always the way to go. When you take out one essential nutrient, you often (though not always) replace it with something synthetic. What would you prefer — real fats or chemicals? The choice should be easy.
6. Fat-Free Milk
Fat-free milk works the same way as fat-free yogurt in the sense that it strips the good stuff from the drink and, at times, adds in chemical fillers. No macronutrient (protein, fat and carbs) should be eaten in excess, but plenty of nutritionists will say that if you want milk, just go for the real version. You’ll digest it more naturally and you won’t have to worry about mystery ingredients.
7. Processed Granola Bars
Oats are high in fiber, but processed oats have significantly less fiber than the old-fashioned kind. Also, granola bars are usually sweetened with corn syrup or refined sugar, so you’re running into the sugar trap once more.
Stick to whole foods, fresh fruit and ingredients that give you natural energy in the morning. To nutritionists, that is how you do it.