Have you noticed how trendy food is? Does it drive anyone else crazy? Manufacturers are so good at creating buzz about their products, especially since they can call it healthy even when it isn’t (Nutella anyone?). So when I came across this article, I knew I had to blog about it. I was so happy to see pita chips on the overrated list. They have been a pet peeve of mine for years. The article is right, it is basically white flour dressed up as healthy.
On the other hand, sometimes good, wholesome, inexpensive foods get no attention. I was pleased to see garbanzo beans included on the underrated list. You can’t beat beans for price, nutrition and convenience. They are a great alternative to animal protein while rich in protein, iron and zinc with the added bonus of fiber and being low in fat.
One of my underrated foods would have to be potatoes. Regular or sweet, these things are healthy. They get a bad rap, not sure why, but they are high in fiber, low in fat and calories, and have more potassium than a banana. At the end of the day they are a root vegetable. Root vegetables are not causing weight gain, it is what you PUT ON your root vegetables that is the real problem.
One of my overrated foods would have to be “natural sugars”. Look, sugar is sugar. I don’t care of it is cane sugar or honey or agave. It is ALL empty calories and simple carbohydrates. Whatever you choose to use, just don’t use much of it.
So don’t take the manufacturers word for it. Investigate by reading the ingredient list. Ideally 5 ingredients or less in packaged foods. And of course whole foods is always the best option. So instead of Froot Loops with added fiber, how about a piece of fruit instead?
What’s on your overrated and underrated list?
Emily Fonnesbeck RD,CD