Flavored instant oatmeal; Flavored instant oatmeal (think: maple brown sugar or apple cinnamon) are often high in added sugar and sodium. choose steel-cut or rolled oats and flavor it using your own cinnamon, nutmeg, and fresh fruit.
Boxed vegetable pasta; The legit healthier alternative: swapping your go-to pasta for spiraled vegetables or spaghetti squash.
Pretzels; Pretzels are basically made out of sugar. The refined-carb product contains no nutrients that are beneficial for health and aren't satisfying, hence why so many people tend to overeat them.
Veggie chips; A fried chip is a fried chip, no matter if it's made from beets or potatoes. Try baking your own veggie chips from kale, carrots, or zucchini instead to cut back on the fat and sodium and pack in more nutrients.
Pre-made smoothies; Pre-made smoothies are often made using fruit juice as a base, making them high in added sugars and calories. Instead, make your own smoothies using frozen fruits and vegetables, low-fat milk, yogurt, and protein powder.
Reduced-fat peanut butter; Look for a natural peanut butter with an ingredient list that contains no added oils, cane sugar, or trans fats.
"Diet" frozen meals; As a healthier and more nutritious alternative, cook your favorite heart-healthy recipes in bulk and freeze individual portions for convenience
Beef jerky; this delish snack conveniently gives you access to protein on the run, but most jerkies are chock-full of sodium to preserve the meat. The increased sodium intake can cause water retention and bloating.
Fake meat products; If you're a vegetarian or plant-based eater and rely on meatless meals, choose whole protein sources, such as beans, lentils, eggs, dairy, fermented soy, nuts, and seeds most of the time
Bottled coffee and tea; pre-bottled coffees and teas are often packed with added sugars or sugar substitutes.