You’ve probably reached for a snack thinking it’s the healthy choice, only to find out later it’s not doing you any favors. Some of the most “wholesome” options are sneaky calorie bombs disguised as health food. Whether it’s hidden sugars or extra fats, these snacks can quickly derail your good intentions.
Granola Bars
They look like a healthy snack, but most are full of added sugars, honey, and syrups to make them taste good. Some granola bars can pack in as many calories as a candy bar, especially when you add chocolate chips or yogurt coating. So, what’s the real difference between your “healthy” bar and a Snickers? Not much! Watch for hidden sugars and opt for bars with real, whole ingredients.
Veggie Chips
Veggie chips sound like a virtuous choice, but they’re typically just regular potato chips in disguise. Made from starchy vegetables, they’re fried and salted just like your usual chips. Even worse, some brands only use veggie powder or flavoring, so you’re not actually getting the benefits of eating whole vegetables. It’s more of a marketing ploy than a healthy option.
Smoothies
Sure, smoothies start off with healthy ingredients like fruit and yogurt, but don’t let that fool you. The average smoothie is loaded with high-sugar fruits, juice, and even ice cream or sweetened yogurt, packing in more calories than a fast-food burger. Want to keep it healthy? Skip the added sugars and go for a balanced blend with veggies, unsweetened yogurt, and protein.
Low-Fat Yogurt
Low-fat often means high in sugar. When yogurt brands remove fat, they typically add sugar or artificial sweeteners to make up for the lost flavor. This can spike your blood sugar and leave you feeling hungry soon after. Opt for plain, full-fat Greek yogurt and sweeten it naturally with fresh fruit or a drizzle of honey. It’s more satisfying and keeps you full longer.
Rice Cakes
Rice cakes seem like a low-calorie snack, and on their own, they are. The problem comes with the toppings—slathering on peanut butter, avocado, or hummus quickly adds fat and calories. One rice cake topped with nut butter could easily go from 35 calories to 200+ in just a few seconds. If you’re not careful, this “light” snack can turn into a calorie bomb.
Dried Fruit
Dried fruit may seem like a healthy snack, but it’s basically concentrated sugar. When fruit is dried, it loses water, shrinking the size while concentrating its natural sugars. Add in the fact that many brands sneak extra sugar into the mix, and you’ve got yourself a deceptively sweet snack that packs way more calories than fresh fruit.
Trail Mix
Nuts, seeds, and dried fruit sound healthy, but trail mix often hides sneaky sugars and extra calories. Chocolate chips, sweetened dried fruits, and salted nuts can turn this simple snack into a calorie-heavy indulgence. Portion control is key here—otherwise, your “healthy” handful can easily turn into a sugar-filled handful of trouble.
Flavored Water
It’s water, so it’s healthy, right? Not so fast. Flavored waters are often packed with sugars, artificial sweeteners, or syrups to make them taste good. Some flavored waters have as many calories as a soda! If you’re trying to hydrate healthily, stick to plain water or add a slice of fresh fruit to get that flavor without the sneaky sugar.
Protein Bars
Protein bars may seem like a great post-workout snack, but many are loaded with sugar and processed ingredients. Some bars contain more sugar than a candy bar, hiding behind their “high protein” label. Unless you’re eating them to fuel intense activity, you’re better off grabbing real food with protein, like nuts or a hard-boiled egg.
Acai Bowls
Acai bowls look like the ultimate health food, but they’re often overloaded with sugary granola, honey, and fruit juices. Sure, acai itself is a superfood, but by the time it’s topped with all those sweet extras, it’s more dessert than a healthy snack. Be mindful of what’s going on top if you’re looking to keep it light!
Avocado Toast
It’s the ultimate Instagram-worthy snack, but don’t be fooled by its trendy appeal. While avocados are packed with healthy fats, those fats add up fast. Top it with a little extra olive oil, a sprinkle of seeds, and some fancy bread, and you’ve got yourself a calorie-loaded snack that could rival a full meal. Just because it’s green doesn’t mean it’s light!
11 Surprisingly Healthy Snacks You Never Knew Gas Stations Had
Skip the candy bars and use these healthy gas station snacks for your next road trip instead! These snack options are hidden gems you can find at almost every major franchise and will easily change the way you think about gas station food.
Read it Here: 11 Surprisingly Healthy Snacks You Never Knew Gas Stations Had
11 Snacks That Clock In At 100 Calories Or Less
Navigating the world of snacking without overdoing the calories can be a challenge. But we’ve cracked the code with this collection of low calorie snacks that taste good and consist of real food, not a processed food that will leave you craving more. These snacks truly satisfy, whether you’re in the mood for something crunchy, creamy, sweet, or savory and at 100 calories each, they won’t wreck your diet either!
Read it Here: 11 Snacks That Clock In At 100 Calories Or Less
*Select images provided by Depositphotos.
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
