NutellaSure, their commercials make the spread sound like a wholesome mix of hazelnuts, skim milk, and a touch of cocoa, but it turns out Nutella's about as healthy as a Milky Way, Prevention says. One woman was so appalled when she realized that two tablespoons of her go-to breakfast spread packed in 200 calories, 21 grams of sugar, and 11 grams of fat, that she took the company to court and won. (In fact, if you bought a jar of Nutella between January 2008 and Feb 3, 2012, you're entitled to a refund.)
Fruit snacks
Not all fruit snacks are created equal, according to Prevention.com. "Some are made with dried fruit mixed with sweeteners, while others may be made with 100% real, unsweetened fruit, notes their expert. In this case, check the ingredients list.
Soda
TeenHealth classifies sodas and energy drinks as 'empty' calories that you don't need, according to LIVESTRONG. The average soda has 10 to 12 teaspoons of sugar in each 10-ounce can. Dr. Marjorie Fitch-Hilgenberg, assistant professor of dietetics at the University of Arkansas, states that soda
should be treated as a dessert item, not the meal's beverage.French fries
French Fries are fatty and soaked in oil, according to LIVESTRONG. The fat count for this food averages 18 percent of the daily fat requirement and 7 percent of sodium, with only a minimal amount of dietary fiber, protein and calcium.
Doughnuts
According to LIVESTRONG, doughnuts are high in calories and provide little nutritional value. Breakfast should provide nutrients to supply energy, but sugar pastries do little to provide such nutrients.
Sugary cereal
According to Prevention.com, "... one little square made from processed grains and coated with sugar probably raises your blood glucose more than an actual sugar packet." Also, throwing in vitamins doesn't cut the damage, so don't be fooled by that advertisement on the box, Prevention says.
Boxed juices
Prevention.com says take a look at where fruit shows up on the ingredients list of most brands. They bet it's not at the top.
Hot dog
From Prevention.com: Preserved meats like hot dogs contain nitrites, which are linked to an increased cancer risk, according to one expert. "Then there's the high saturated fat content, which sabotages both your heart and your waistline. Add in a refined-flour bun and a generous squirt of sugary ketchup, and this is one lunch you can't afford to repeat very often."
Toaster pastries
You may as well eat a cardboard rectangle for all the nutritional value you're getting, Prevention.com says. "In addition to being made with refined white flour that's been stripped of its nutrients, these also contain sugar, corn syrup, and artificial preservatives. The added vitamins and minerals don't even come close to canceling out the unwanted ingredients," says one expert.
Boxed macaroni and cheese
Do you really want to eat 'cheese' that has been sitting in a box in powder form for who knows how many months?, Prevention.com asks. "One-third of a box contains almost 600 mg of sodium -- that's a quarter of the recommended daily cap," says their expert.
Ramen noodles
LIVESTRONG says Ramen noodles won't win any healthy food awards, but you can incorporate them into an overall diet of healthy eating by leaving out the flavor packet that usually comes with the noodles. It contains monosodium glutamate, or MSG, and high sodium.
