This is an archived article and the information in the story may be outdated. Please check the time stamp on the story to see when it was updated last.
Sticking to healthy ingredients is a good way to promote weight loss. However, some ingredients have the reputation of being “healthy,” but can actually lead to health problems and weight gain.
With that in mind, keep reading for 4 “healthy” ingredients you should stop using ASAP if you want to develop a healthier diet.
Margarine
Butter has a bad reputation, but margarine, its "healthy" alternative, can actually lead to more health problems.
According to Healthline, "Margarine is not food... it is an assembly of chemicals and refined oils that have been made to look and taste like food. Not surprisingly, the Framingham Heart Study showed that people who replace butter with margarine are actually more likely to die from heart disease."
Granola
Granola is a popular ingredient and is often added to smoothies and yogurt as a "healthy" addition.
However, many granola brands are high in sugar and calories. With that in mind, relying on this ingredient as a healthy source of nutrients is not the best idea.
Apple Sauce
Apple sauce is a popular replacement ingredient in many recipes to make them healthier.
However, you should use this ingredient with caution because many brands are high in high-fructose corn syrup. Annessa Chumbley, Indianapolis-based registered dietitian and nutrition consultant for Premier Protein, tells Forbes, "This can add up to five teaspoons of sugar in each serving."
Vegetable Oil
Vegetable oil is another surprising ingredient that can lead to some health problems.
According to Eat This, Not That!, "Partially hydrogenated vegetable oil can raise bad cholesterol and increase your risk for heart disease."
