There is so much information on which foods we should be eating and which we should avoid. So here’s a list of some evil foods that aren’t just bad for your waistline, but bad overall.
CRONUTS
Half croissant, half donut, the cronut was invented by Dominique Ansel of New York. Croissants and donuts are rife with trans fats which are linked to cancer and heart and brain diseases. Try the tasty treat if you dare at D Liche on St-Denis and La Cornetteria in Little Italy.
HOT CHOCOLATE
A 12 ounce cup of decadent hot chocolate — that is to say a mixture of melted cocoa and cream, as opposed to the well-known cocoa powder with milk formula — is upwards of a thousand, empty, useless calories. Try one on your cheat day at Suite 88.
MCDONALD’S OATMEAL
Disguised as a healthy option, this McDonald’s offering contains more sugar than a Snickers bar, and only 10 fewer calories than a McDonald’s cheeseburger. Oatmeal, normally a stand-alone ingredient, contains seven other ingredients in typical fast food fashion (one being “natural flavour”).
POUTINE
Most of us hold it to be true that fries, cheese, and gravy are a winning combination. But few of us know that fries contain acrylamide, a carcinogenic substance formed when white potatoes are heated at high temperatures. Cheese, arguably the best part of the dish, is typically a great source of protein and calcium. However cheese can be just as unhealthy, especially if it’s the processed and packaged cheddar cheese curds that is typically melted over this Montreal classic.
PROCESSED MEATS
Processed meat is a source of saturated fat, which raises blood cholesterol, and is high in sodium. Researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health have found that eating processed meats such as bacon, sausage, or deli meats, was associated with a 42 per cent higher risk of heart disease and a 19 per cent higher risk of type 2 diabetes.
MARGARINE
Margarine proponents think it’s healthier than butter but there is no evidence supporting this. While margarine has less saturated fat than butter, it’s full of trans fats that raise levels of bad cholesterol. Did I mention that, without artificial colouring, it’s naturally grey? Use olive oil as a healthier alternative.
SODA
Soda doesn’t just rot your teeth but these bubbly drinks whether sugar free or sweetened have been linked to obesity, depression and diabetes. Coke Zero may seem like a healthier option given the no sugar and no calories. However most no-calorie and no-sugar sodas contain aspartame that although approved by the FDA, has been argued to have negative health effects.
MICROWAVE POPCORN
Researchers at UCLA suggest that perfluorinated chemicals (known carcinogens found in the lining of popcorn bags) may be associated with female infertility. Microwaving causes the chemicals to migrate into the popcorn. Many manufacturers have decided to phase out PFOA by 2015. Until then, avoid this food.
FOODS HIGH IN SUGAR
The Harvard Medical School found that sugary snacks stimulate the same areas of the brain as hard drugs like cocaine and heroin. The finding supports the possibility of food addiction which increases the risks of weight gain and health issues.
POTATO CHIPS
Like fries, potato chips contain acrylamide. The Harvard School of Public Health ranked potato chips first in a list of foods that contributed to the most weight gain.
