Whether you show up at the grocery store with a list on hand or not, it seems like things never go exactly according to plan. You forget to buy the butter, you splurge on an expensive bottle of wine… or you come home with bags filled with snacks and processed foods you hadn’t planned on buying. Unfortunately, many of those unexpected add-ons we throw into our cart on a grocery trip can have serious consequences on our health, which is why it’s so important to shop mindfully and be aware of the items that may take a toll on your body.
To discover some of the worst foods to avoid on your next stop at the grocery store, we checked in with health expert Sony Sherpa, MD from Nature’s Rise. She pointed out three in particular you should steer clear of: potato chips, frozen meals, and processed meats. Find out why she says you should think twice about buying this items below!
1. Potato Chips
While tasty, crunchy potato chips are notoriously difficult to resist (especially if you're browsing the snack aisle with an empty stomach), Dr. Sherpa warns that "they're usually high in fat and calories, and eating too many of them can lead to weight gain." The high sodium content is one major health pitfall here. Not only can too much salt intake lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, and even stroke later down the line, it can cause short term issues as well. "Since [potato chips] are often coated with salt, they can also cause you to retain water, which can lead to bloating," Dr. Sherpa explains. Still need something to snack on? She recommends reaching for baked or roasted versions that are lower in fat and calories. "You can also make your own at home by slicing up potatoes and baking them in the oven with olive oil and spices," she says.
2. Frozen meals
There's no denying that frozen meals are highly convenient, especially if you can't find the time to cook yourself a healthy meal. However, that convenience comes with a cost. "While frozen meals can be quick and easy, they're often loaded with sodium and preservatives that can lead to some serious health problems if you eat too much of them frequently," Dr. Sherpa warns. "They're also usually very high in calories, so if you're trying to lose weight, they're not going to help." For this reason, the best option is always to make your own meals with fresh ingredients whenever possible. "You'll be able to control the amount of sodium and calories, and you'll know exactly what's in your food. Then, you can freeze them yourself so you can have a quick and healthy meal anytime you need it," Dr. Sherpa suggests.
3. Processed meats
While you may be tempted to stock up on bacon and lunch meat, Dr. Sherpa says you should think twice before filling your cart with processed meats next time you're at the grocery store. "Processed meats, such as ham, bacon, and sausage, are high in saturated fats and sodium," she tells us. "This can lead to heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke." Yikes! Of course, that doesn't mean you need to cut out meat altogether. There are many healthy options out there. Try opting for lean meats like chicken and turkey. Plus, whenever possible, a few meatless meals every now and then can definitely do wonders for your overall health.
The fact of the matter is that sometimes your cravings get the best of you—and there's nothing wrong with treating yourself from now and then. However, if you want to keep your health in check, it's best to avoid these items as much as possible. And, hey, your wallet may end up thanking you, too!
