There's a science to the art of making foods sound nutritious and appealing. Millions are spent on food advertising and marketing, so you need to be a smart and savvy consumer. Just because something sounds healthy, doesn't necessarily mean it's the best option.
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We've compiled a list of the seven most overrated foods. Read on and see... We bet you'll be surprised at some of the ones that made the list.
1. Energy Bars: "Energy" is code for calories. They may as well label most cereal/snack bars as "calorie bars." Most are closer to candy bars, containing 150 to 300 calories, with varying amounts of fat, sugar and salt, artificial coloring, flavoring and preservatives. Some bars contain trans fat.
If you insist on eating energy bars, read the label and choose one whose first ingredient is "whole grain," with at least 2 to 3 grams of fiber, no trans fat and a maximum of 1 gram of saturated fat.
2. Fruit Juice: The label reads "100 Percent Natural," so how can juice be overrated? It takes about five whole oranges to make about 4 ounces of orange juice -- a measly half-cup -- and you'll normally gulp it down in about four seconds. Peel and eat one, maybe two oranges, and you're full. Plus, you'll get a jolt of energyfrom natural fructose and fiber to fill you up. Now, that's an underrated bargain.
3. Protein Powder: If a little is good, is more better? When it comes to protein, no. The idea that you can build muscle by eating more protein has been discounted repeatedly. eDiets Chief Fitness Pro, Raphael Calzadilla, says, "Although protein in the correct amounts is vital for muscle growth, too much protein can have the opposite effect from what you're looking for. The body can only use so much protein, and excessive protein can actually convert to glucose. The key is actually to take in sufficient amount of protein, carbohydrates and fats." That will fuel your workout, which is what will build those muscles you're looking for.
