7 “Healthy” Foods To Avoid

Some Foods Marketed As Healthy Are Just The Opposite

Many people are realizing that the health they do––or do not––enjoy is largely linked to lifestyle factors, such as diet and exercise. To that end, there has been an enormous movement of people striving to eat healthier, exercise regularly, and lead a healthier lifestyle with the purpose of enjoying the good health those things afford.

As people strive to live a more healthy lifestyle, many food purveyors have emerged to meet the demand for healthy food products. In many ways, this is a positive thing. Many people understand the importance of organic food, grass-fed or pastured animal products, and the health benefits of eating a nutrient-rich diet. Many also are coming to understand the dangers of processed food, conventionally raised produce and animal products, and the preservatives that are so prevalent in the western diet.

There are plenty of foods, however, that are presented to us as being healthy that we should likely be avoiding.

Whole Grains

Processed grain products, such as white bread, cereals, and a large variety of other processed foods are the dominating grain products in our food system. When grains are processed into white flour, much of the fiber and other nutrients are removed, leaving only the starchy flour used in most processed foods. We are encouraged to enjoy “whole” grain products instead.

What most people fail to realize is that grains still constitute a huge source of carbohydrates, which ultimately digest into sugar. Sugar, of course, is linked to a wide variety of health problems, from weight gain to diabetes and even diseases like cancer and heart disease. 

Many grains are also often contaminated with fungal byproducts, known as mycotoxins. These are pervasive in grains like wheat and can cause a variety of health problems. Ultimately, grains are something we should all avoid.

Granola

Granola is associated with a more “natural” or “clean” diet, so much that the term “granola”, itself, is often used to describe a certain subset of people who eat organic food, and enjoy a more natural lifestyle. Granola often contains some healthy ingredients, such as certain nuts and seeds; but the fact that it is often packed with grains means it should likely be avoided.

Notwithstanding the fact that on The Kaufmann Diet you are avoiding grains altogether, most granola is also packed with sugars. Even natural sugars––including agave, evaporated cane juice, etc.––are things you should likely be avoiding.

Corn

But corn is a vegetable, right?

Corn is, in fact, a grain. And, according to research, corn is one of the foods most commonly contaminated with mycotoxins. The scary thing is that corn is in everything. Corn syrup, corn starch, and even some Vitamin C supplements are derived from corn––these are all pervasive in processed foods.

This is interesting because one must wonder if there is link between the mycotoxins that contaminate corn, and the rampant disease that plagues we Americans who consume foods made with corn in abundance.

Peanuts

Many people feel like they can not live without peanut butter, but peanuts are often contaminated with mycotoxins and should likely be avoided. Even organic peanuts, peanut products, and peanut butter should likely be avoided.

Soy

Soy and soy products––such as soy milk, soy cheese, tofu and tempeh––are often touted as healthy alternatives to animal products, but ultimately, studies done on soy are inconclusive on the health benefits, at best. Some even point to soy causing health problems, not promoting health. Furthermore, much of the soy grown is heavily genetically modified, therefore heavily doused in chemicals like glyphosate, which has a possible like to cancer.

Soy, too, is a food that is commonly contaminated with mycotoxins, which makes even organic soy something we should likely be avoiding.

Most Meat Substitutes

Many meat subsets, such as seitan, are made using gluten, or wheat protein. Others are made with mycoprotein––very literally protein derived from a fungus. Others are made from soy. Many––if not all––run the risk of being contaminated with mycotoxins are virtually all heavily processed. Meat substitutes are virtually unilaterally not allowed on The Kaufmann Diet.

Fruit Juices

Usually, these are rich in sugar, whether it is added or not. Whether it is bottled raw, from concentrate, or a completely processed juice, most fruit juice should be avoided on the Kaufmann Diet. The exception is freshly extracted juice from Kaufmann Diet-approved fruits. Even then, moderation is key.