Are There Any Foods You Should Not Eat? 11 Unhealthy Foods (2024)

• 11 Foods to Avoid
  • 11 unhealthy foods you should avoid eating
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Foods that you should not eat are those with little to no nutritional value, including foods high in fat, sugar, salt, and refined flour

11 unhealthy foods you should avoid eating

1. Processed meat

Processed meats contain added nitrates and other chemical substances that are bad for your health. Certain processed meats like sausages are made from leftover unwanted parts of animals and often contain high amounts of salt and fat.

2. French fries

French fries and other deep-fried foods are full of salt and fat, with one portion containing about 420 calories. These foods can lead to clogged arteries, which can cause heart attacks, strokes, and diabetes over time.

3. Chicken nuggets

Chicken nuggets rarely contain only chicken breast. They are often produced by mixing meat with bulking agents and leftover bits of carcass. An average nugget contains about 50% more fat and carbohydrates than protein.

4. Canned soup

Canned goods, especially soups, tend to be very high in sodium. While convenient, it is better to make soup fresh at home.

5. Breakfast cereal

Breakfast cereals often contain preservatives, artificial dyes, and high amounts of sugar. Cereals marketed to children also tend to contain more sodium, carbohydrates, sugar, and calories per gram than those marketed to adults.

6. Doughnuts

Doughnuts are loaded with calories, refined carbs, saturated and trans fats, and about 15-30 grams of sugar per package. Eating so much sugar can cause huge blood sugar spikes, rapid weight gain, and poor digestive function.

7. Margarine

Although it is often marketed as a cholesterol-free alternative to butter, margarine is a terrible source of trans fats that actually elevates cholesterol and damages blood vessel walls.

8. Frozen meals

Microwaveable meals may be convenient but offer very little nutritional value. In addition, high levels of preservatives and sodium are added to increase shelf life.

9. Ice cream

Ice cream is full of saturated fat, sugar, and calories, all of which can contribute to weight gain, heart disease, and other health problems.

10. Soda

Soda and other carbonated beverages often contain high quantities of sugar, with the average can of co*ke containing about 10 teaspoons. Even diet versions of soda beverages should be avoided because they contain artificial sweeteners, which can be harmful when consumed in excess.

11. Sugary coffee

If you have a habit of adding sugar and other sweeteners to your coffee, you should be aware that doing so can increase your calorie intake as well as your saturated fat intake.

Image Source: iStock Images

Healthdirect. Junk food and your health. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/junk-food-and-your-health

GBD 2017 Diet Collaborators. Health effects of dietary risks in 195 countries, 1990-2017: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017. Lancet. 2019 May 11;393(10184):1958-1972. https://www.thelancet.com/article/S0140-6736(19)30041-8/fulltext