In today’s fast-paced society, we don’t always make the healthiest decisions regarding our diet. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, nine out of 10 Americans consume too much sodium, which increases their risk of developing heart conditions. Added sugars and saturated fats can also present serious problems down the line.
Sometimes, it feels like the rules of healthy eating are far too many to remember. However, every baby step counts. So, start by removing the following foods from your future grocery lists for a healthier heart.
Diet Sodas
Those looking to control their sugar intake may reach for diet alternatives in the drinks aisle. However, these beverages may be just as bad for you. Full of artificial sweeteners, diet soda will make your insulin levels spike, increasing your hunger and causing you to overeat.
Certain Low-Fat Foods
Are low-fat foods unhealthy? It may sound counterintuitive, but many low-fat foods do more harm than good. For instance, peanuts are full of healthy fats, so going for low-fat peanut butter will deprive you of these beneficial perks. To add insult to injury, the low-fat variant may even contain added sugars.
Condiments
Condiments are a great way to add some taste to healthy foods, right? Not necessarily. Ketchup and other condiments can be full of sugar and sodium, and you might be inadvertently packing your healthy meal with them. The solution? Make your own ketchup, and you’ll know exactly what’s in it.
Canned Soups
Another item to remove from your grocery list is canned soups. While they may offer convenience, canned soups can increase your blood pressure with their high sodium content. Increased blood pressure is one of the biggest risk factors for developing heart disease, so look for less salty options or try making your own soups.
There’s always room for improvement when it comes to our eating habits – making better-informed decisions while grocery shopping is a great start.
