Everybody wants to be healthy. Who in their right minds would like to suffer from cancer or battle with obesity or diabetes for the rest of their lives? The reason why the health industry is booming despite the rising oil prices and slowing down of economy is due to most people’s desire to be young, normal and healthy. Unfortunately, despite their best efforts, many still end up being sick, overweight, in pain and unhealthy.

Majority of the diseases and illnesses that are prevalent in our society right now is actually caused by bad eating habits. If only people would be able to turn their backs on sugary and fatty processed foods, then there might be less people who are sick and suffering from metabolic and food-related conditions.

If you are one of the people who are conscious about their health, you are in the right track. Unfortunately, not all the types of food that have been advertised as good for the body are actually healthy for you. As a consumer, you need to be very picky with the things that you buy and consume. Here are some foods that are purportedly healthy but are actually harmful.

Granola

Since granola bars have been advertised as good for you in many health-related magazines, you might think that these are good for you, especially if you are on a diet. Although it’s true that granola contains fiber, this food is actually high in calories, fat and sugar. There are actually a lot more foods that are healthier than granola bars.

Smoothies

If you have already been eating less and counting the calories that you consume, you might be perplexed why your weight seems to be increasing rather than decreasing. Many dieters are actually gaining weight not because they are eating unhealthy foods, but rather because they are fond of drinks that are high in calories, such as smoothies. These types of drinks may contain vitamins from fruits and vegetables; however, they also have tons of sugar. You wouldn’t enjoy drinking a tall glass of smoothie if it is not sweet and delicious, right?

Energy Bars

Unless you are into rigorous sports, it may not be a good idea to consume energy bars. If you are on a diet, eating lots of fruits and vegetables and whole grains will be better than devouring one or two energy bars as meal replacements or snacks. Did you know that energy bars are packed with calories?

Sushi Rolls

Japanese food has always been perceived as healthy treats, especially after the explosion in the popularity of the Okinawa diet. It seems that everyone is scrambling to sushi bars to enjoy these rolls of rice and fish and vegetables to lose weight. However, sushi rolls are small and easy to eat. You will not notice that you have eaten a dozen sushi rolls already, especially if you are in a party or having dinner with your friends. Furthermore, the popular types of sushi contain mayonnaise and other fat-filled ingredients.

Salad Toppings

Ideally, salads are filled with vegetables, fruits and nuts that are ideal for people who are planning to shed some pounds. If your salad contains mostly veggies, nuts and fruits and less dressing, then it is ok. However, many salad dishes, especially those served in restaurants, contain toppings that may not be friendly on your waist. Cheddar or Gorgonzola cheese cubes, croutons, pecans, breaded chicken, or fried seafood are just some of the toppings that you wouldn’t want to see in your salad. Furthermore, salad dressings that are based on cream or mayonnaise also are high in fat and calories.

If you cannot stay away from the goodies mentioned above, then it might be best that you try to eat them in moderation, especially if you are watching your weight. Also, another way to help you lose some pounds is by doing the detox. One system that can help you undergo detox with ease is Colopril. For more information, visit http://www.colopril.com/.

- Janet Martin

1. Eat At Least ONE Green Salad Each Day

North Americans are only consuming on average 2-3 servings of fruits and vegetables per day! When you consider that the recommendation is for 5-10 servings per day and that most of our produce is nowhere near as mineral-rich as it was just 50 years ago, consuming greater amounts of vegetables and fruit has never been as necessary as now for nourishing your body with vital nutrients, alkalinity, and the life-prolonging food enzymes that it needs.

2. Drink At Least ONE Fresh-Pressed Juice or Green Smoothie Each Day

We live in busy lives. No one has time for anything anymore – not even healthy eating. Therefore, one of the greatest ways of supplying tremendous amounts of vitamins, minerals, food enzymes, and alkalinity to your body is through juices and smoothies. And remember, the greener the better!

It might be tough for some people to physically eat 5-10 fruits or vegetables during a day but with just 1 juice or smoothie you can easily meet that quota!

3. Eat 80% Whole Living Foods (raw)

Ever wonder why animals in their natural habitats do not suffer from the diseases that plague mankind? Isn’t also interesting that humans are the only species on earth that apparently “needs” to cook their food! There is no greater gift you can give your body then eating foods in their natural state – that is living or raw.

Cooking foods dramatically reduces their vitamin, mineral, and phytonutrient content and destroys their vital food enzymes that are so beneficial to our health. Simply incorporating more raw fruits and vegetables into your diet can make a profound difference in how you look and feel…and in no time at all!

4. Eat Every 2-3 Hours (but only if you’re hungry)

It’s a fact – most people eat too much food! It’s no wonder that more than 60% of the North American population is overweight. One of the reasons for this is eating copious amounts of “empty foods”. These are foods that have no nutritional value. Eating empty foods only prompts you to eat more food since your body is not receiving the nutrients it requires.

By eating smaller “nutrient-dense” foods more frequently throughout the day you will avoid cravings caused by blood sugar irregularities and you will also tend to eat less since your body will now be receiving all the nutrients it needs.

5. Eat Meat No More Than 2 Times Per Week

Let’s face it – meat is detrimental to your body. You can turn a blind eye if you want but the truth is that meat is acid-forming and causes inflammation in the body. Both of these conditions are common to every single disease known to mankind!

Oh, and don’t forget about the hormones, antibiotics, and inhumane conditions in which animals (for human consumption) are raised or the higher levels of cholesterol and saturated fats found in heavier meats.

Meat (especially red meat) also deprives your body of energy because it requires a tremendous amount of digestive energy and water to be broken down and assimilated into your body.

- Yuri Elkaim