3 Foods that aren’t as “healthy” as you may think…
There is no secret to losing weight and living a healthy and balanced lifestyle! Eating a balanced diet filled with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, good fats, lean proteins and complex carbohydrates will allow for not only weight loss but maintaining a healthy and fit mind and body! While many know to shy away from foods high in sugar, calories and fat, there are a number of items sitting on our grocery store shelves that people “think” are healthy but in actuality aren’t. Labels and marketing has a way to make people think something is healthy when in reality it isn’t contributing to a healthy and balanced diet. I wanted to share 3 items you may think are “healthy” but in actuality aren’t as healthy as you may think!
1. Fat-Free Salad Dressing
Don’t destroy your colorful and healthy salad by dressing it with a bottled fat-free salad dressing. It is true that these salad dressings typically have less calories although, they are filled with a list of not so healthy ingredients. So many people get stuck looking at the grams of fat and are drawn to “non-fat” or “fat-free” when in actuality these items can be worse for you than the full fat options! It is not about eliminating fat from your diet, it is about eliminating the wrong types of fats and allowing healthy fats in moderation. Even though a “fat-fee” dressing may not have the fat, it has other not so healthy ingredients such as sugar, high fructose corn syrup and artificial colors (such as yellow 5, yellow 6 and caramel colors), which are not good for you. There is nothing wrong with fat in your salad dressings but it is about the type of fat and how much you consume! The fat in the dressings, if the right kind of fat, is actually good for you, keeps you fuller longer, skin shiny, hormones balanced and shouldn’t be avoided. Coconut oil, Avocado oil and Olive oil are great sources of fat to add to your salads! Check out 3 of my favorite recipes using each of these healthy oils!

Gina’s Dijon Garlic Vinaigrette

3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp olive oil
1-2 packets Stevia

1-2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
Mix and drizzle over salad. Toss and enjoy.
*1 serving

Gina’s Lemon Avocado Oil Dressing
1 tbsp avocado oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp fresh ginger root, minced finely
Mix and drizzle over salad. Toss and enjoy.
*1 serving

Gina’s Coconut Lemon Vinaigrette
Ingredients:
1 tbsp coconut oil
2 tbsp of lemon juice
1 tsp turmeric
1 packet stevia
sea salt to taste
black pepper to taste
In a small microwave safe bowl microwave the coconut oil on high for 15 seconds. Add the rest of the ingredients, mix and drizzle over salad. Toss and Enjoy!
*1 serving

2. Egg Beaters
You may think you are being smart by buying these “healthy” eggs in a carton. In actuality egg beaters aren’t as “healthy” as you may think! Egg Beaters, or any other egg substitute, contains over 20 ingredients, including egg whites, coloring, vegetable gums, maltodextrin, spices, and vitamins and minerals native to egg yolks. These cartons may be labeled “better than real eggs” because they don’t contain the cholesterol that an egg does but the reality is nothing is better than a pure whole organic egg, egg yolk and all! More research has come out that yolks, in moderation, are not bad for you and don’t raise blood cholesterol like once thought! The dietary cholesterol from an egg is different from blood cholesterol (LDL). Egg yolks contain essential fatty acids, vitamin D, choline, vitamin B and much more! There is no reason to buy the fake carton of eggs, loaded with tons of preservatives, when the real deal is actually the healthier option!
3. Butter-Flavored Microwave Popcorn
Popcorn has been commonly known as a “healthy snack” option. If you just rest the label on the bag it may read 94% fat free or better yet, you can find 100 calorie snack bags! The real version of popped corn is a whole grain and indeed healthy! The problem is most store bought butter flavored microwave popcorn has trans fat and fake flavors added! Your best bet is to make your own popcorn and save yourself the unnecessary trans fat, flavors and extras! Simply give this recipe a try and you will discover not only is homemade popcorn much more tasty, it is so easy and can easily be used as a healthy snack alternative to the store bought variation!
Gina’s Homemade Popcorn
1 tbsp coconut oil
1/4 cup organic popcorn kernels
sea salt to taste
Place coconut oil in a large pot on medium heat. Once starts to melt, add the popcorn kernels. Cover and remove from heat once the popping starts to slow down. Season with sea salt and/or any other seasoning of your choice and enjoy!
*1 serving