We can’t help but overhear all the chatter in our cafes about foods you may deem unhealthy that aren’t actually bad for you (eggs, avocados I’m talkin’ ‘bout you). Likewise, we hear lots of talk about so-called “healthy” options. These sneaks contain excess sugar, preservatives, chemicals and other additives that can be harmful. Forget front-of-package claims and check out ingredients as a guide. Here, we dish on what we think are the top 4 foods masquerading as “good for you” and better options to try (available at Organic Krush, of course!):
•Diet Soda
Anything with the word “diet” in its name is a red flag. Aspartame and other non-nutritive sweeteners make diet soda a toxic thirst quencher. Instead, opt for Kombucha which has the same fizz factor, very little added sugar, and gut health benefits. We are digging Coastal Kraft Kombucha in Ginger, Berry Hibiscus, Lemon Early Grey, and other seasonal flavors. To read more about this locally crafted beverage, click here. Another great soda alternative is our sparkling Mountain Valley Water. Or try this recipe: Add ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon turmeric and 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar to 12 oz of water (hot or iced). In traditional Chinese medicine, increasing bitter flavors can help balance sugar cravings.
•Low-Fat Peanut Butter
Removing healthy fats means adding sugar to maintain flavor and texture—a silly swap. When shopping for peanut butter the only thing that should be listed in the ingredients is, well, organic peanuts. At Organic Krush, we love Once Again Creamy Peanut Butter, no salt or sugar added—it’s what makes our Nutty Buddy Smoothie and Elvis Acai Bowl so delish!
•Light Yogurt
Yogurt should be made from milk and active cultures, not artificial flavorings, artificial colors, sweeteners, and preservatives. Similar to peanut butter, removing fat always means that other not-so-good additives have to go in. We like Maple Hill Creamery Greek yogurt, which is organic and from grass-fed cows. It also boasts a whopping 11g of protein per serving. Our fave yogurt alternative is Forager’s Cashewgurt, made from (yup, you guessed it!) cashews. The Wild Blueberry, Lemon, and Vanilla Bean are so good. But nothing beats our housemade coconut yogurt with just 5 simple ingredients (coconut, maple syrup, lemon juice, coconut milk, probiotics). It’s creamy, filling, and easy to digest.
•Fat-free Treats or Low-calorie Snacks
We sound like a broken record, but removing fat only to be replaced with sugar, sodium and more does not make for a healthier product. Instead opt for a little of something with whole ingredients such as our Salted Caramel Bites (cashews, dates, almond butter, maca) or Hail Merry’s Dark Chocolate Tarts (maple syrup, dark cocoa, almond flour, coconut oil, sea salt). They will satisfy any sweet tooth!