'Healthy', 'natural' and 'fat-free' are just a few examples of health food jargon we have seen and hear everyday, but they are they all that they seem? We asked professionals.
1. Popcorn

Popcorn continues to be making a way back to our shelves greatly. Sales have soared in the past couple of years with growing views lida daidaihua old that it is healthier alternative, which isn't far from true! However, when it comes to popcorn, quantity and quality matter.
Nutritionist, Emma Wight-Boycott says, "Popcorn could be altered from a delicious healthy snack right into a salty sweet heart attack! If you purchase corn kernels and pop it into an aura popper with mineral salts it's amazingly tasty and healthy, but because soon as you allow it to be with heated trans fats and add table salt or sugar you are negating ALL health value. The trans fats cause toxin damage as the salt and sugar clog your arteries and cause cravings - no good!"
Microwave popcorn is especially bad. Added chemicals in microwave bags have shown to convert into carcinogens when heated, which is reason enough to ditch the kernel itself!
You probably know this, most of us subscribe to easy microwavable popcorn and gourmet snack bags, but a part from being a wholegrain and a good supply of magnesium overall popcorn is certainly not nutritious. You can get a much better snack for lunch by grabbing a pot of baby carrots and hummus. So seriously, relax with the kernels folks!
2. Yogurt covered raisins
Sounds pretty healthy, right? Not too fast. Although yoghurt and raisins, individually, are usually pretty healthy yogurt covered raisins aren't actually what you believe. Actually, they're not exactly 'yogurt covered' either...
"Yogurt is filled with healthy bacteria but to harden it to cover raisins it has to have added sugars. Raisins are basically sugar laden grapes," says Emma.
These yummy raisins are actually a concoction of sugar, oil, milk powder, yogurt powder and corn syrup, which sounds calorific to all of us! However if you simply plan to have a bag of these little guys contemplate it one of your occasional treats as opposed to a healthy snack alternative. There's nothing healthy about the subject whatsoever. Try grapes and fresh natural Greek yogurt instead. Delicious and healthy!
3. Protein bars

Love how full protein bars cause you to feel? It really depends on which ones you select, but generally we'd say don't count on them!
Emma says, "The supplier is essential. Bad ingredients, horrible fillers, and you may have your product which is stodgy and tasteless. They are definitely an end gap if you're dieting, not a staple item."
They're also often full of energy enhancing sugars, packing in calories and burdening unwanted weight loss. It ain't doing us any favours girls. Might as well grab a Snickers bar!
4. Granola cereals
Granola is not always other people you know. Although, they've had a reputation as a 'healthy' snack or breakfast choice in the past few years, generally it is more fattening than you think. With high sugar, salt, powdered milk and other crazy additives it's hard to state that granola stands firm as a healthy contender.
Emma says, "When the term granola sugar!! They usually contain around 30% sugar compared to oat porridge at less than 1% sugar." That is pretty shocking if you ask us.
But, should you want granolas you CAN make a wholesome version at home. All you have to do is bake rolled oats, nuts, dried fruit and add vanilla extract and organic honey for added sweetness. (Sounds yum, right?) Roast until golden and voil¡§¡è! A healthy granola cereal!
?Note, it's still moderately full of calories (even if you make it) so attempt to switch your meals each week so your not chowing it down everyday. There, you're sorted!
5. Parfait

Parfaits aren't as perfect and delightful because they seem. Unless you make a parfait yourself, with greek yoghurt, fresh fruit, raw nuts and rolled oats, ordering a deliciously layered parfait can mean quite a heavy calorie consumption.
"While it can look healthy a parfait contains frozen sugar, syrup, egg and cream. Try using a great protein powder, vanilla paste, egg and stevia for a much healthier blood sugar levels balancing version," Emma says.
Overall, it's a great staple for protein if you are eating the correct one, but try sticking to homemade versions like Emma recommends!
6. Low-fat frozen meals
Contrary to popular belief, low-calorie frozen meals aren't always as healthy because they claim to be. The great thing about frozen meals is that they're portion controlled, but that's about all the help you're getting when it comes to managing unwanted weight as well as your diet.

Our main concern with frozen foods are that they're low in calories, but sky high in sodium and sugars so if you don't get a healthy, low calorie meal marked 'low in sodium' the chances of it being that healthy are slim to none.
Emma also notes, "If fat is taken away from food the mouth-feel or texture of the food or meal is removed. The feel or mouth feel must then be replaced having a gum or thickener and with flavour. The thickener can cause digestive upset as the added flavour usually comes from sugar."
We're not finished yet - frozen meals function not contain enough fruit and veggies that will help you reach even the MINIMUM quantity of recommended fruit and veg every day. So not just are you not helping your body slim down and keep them back, but you're limiting the amount of nutrients the body gets too.
A far greater idea would be to cook simple, fresh meals such as baked salmon and salad (which takes little time) than going down the frozen meal route. Time for you to defrost those diets!
7. Hearty bran muffins

Whoever invented bran muffins is a massive tease! These 'healthy' looking bites are just an excuse to enjoy comforting treats. Past studies have shown that bran muffins today are gone 350 calories, that is equal to a whole meal. Although it is commonly high in sodium and sugar it isn't really the ingredients to blame but actually the portion size.
?If you still wish to enjoy munching on your bran without the ballooning effect on your waistline help make your own homemade treats and know what is going on to your body. T'is simple.
8. Fast food salads
Feeling proud since you ordered a caesar salad at the favourite fast food restaurant? Don't flatter yourself too much. These seemingly healthy processed salads can pack inside a TON of calories. Added croutons, hidden sugars, fried chicken and dressing atop (that is what makes it so damn tasty)? That's a recipe for diet disaster.
Emma recommends going "for a salad with a dressing on the side so that you can control the portion size." Better yet, "keep essential olive oil and balsamic in a spray bottle at your desk or in your kitchen area."
Basically, if you are likely to eat at restaurants, go all out, otherwise the healthiest option is to possess a home-made meal. It's tastier, more nutritious and cheaper! Yes, please.
9. Wraps

So you've bought your nice wrap for lunch. Seems pretty healthy from the outside, right? A bit of lettuce peeking through, cold cuts, cheese and flat bread...much better than a burger... well, you'd think...
?The primary culprit here is what's in the wrap. Although you easily pack in 300 calories with packaged, refined tortilla and flatbreads but wraps could be just like "dense in calories and wheat as sandwiches," says Emma.

Wraps in themselves often contain little nutritional value and therefore are likely smothered in butter or mayonnaise. If you really fancy a wrap choose an avocado spread instead. Read those labels girls.
10. Smoothies
While making a smoothie at home or customising your own at a local juice bar can be highly nutritious, some store-bought smoothies are often far, a long way away from healthy. With concentrated fruit lida daidaihua new drinks and added creams and yoghurts these type of smoothies can in fact multiply the amount you eat (without knowing it).
Emma's ?tip? Make your own with almond milk and fury to ensure you do not get added sugar or stodgy thickeners. Add fruits, veggies, super powders - let the creativity flow by using it - the choice is yours!