7 Foods Bad for Health and How to Avoid Them

French fries. Burgers. Hot Dogs. Soft Drinks. Junk Food.

These are only a few of our favorite foods to consume since it’s tasty, savory, thirst-quenching, and can be bought instantly. Although we are aware that these are also unhealthy foods, we still love eating them due to our busy schedules. Of course, it’s a status symbol that you can afford to buy these foods, especially if you’re living in a premium house and lot in the Philippines.

Later on, we realized something is wrong with our bodies. We felt sluggish, have a hard time to breath, and often palpitate. If you want to know what type of food makes you sick, check out our list of unhealthiest foods you should avoid eating.

What are the Worst Foods to Eat?

Let’s accept it; we always want the quickest food to prepare, especially if we are in a hurry or even have kids. The following foods below are some of the worst to eat.

Fried foods

Foods that are deep-fried in oil are high in saturated fats, calories, and sodium. Consuming fried foods regularly can increase the risk of obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

Processed meats

Processed meats like canned soup, bacon, sausage, and deli meats are high in saturated fat, sodium, and preservatives. These kinds of foods have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, certain cancers, and even early death.

Sugary drinks

Sugary drinks like soda, energy drinks, and sports drinks are high in sugar and calories but low in nutrients. Consuming these drinks can increase the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other health problems.

Fast food

Who doesn’t love fast food? But sadly, fast food is often high in calories, unhealthy fats, sodium, and sugar. Eating fast food can lead to weight gain, heart disease, and diabetes.

White bread and pasta

White bread and pasta are made from refined grains and trans-fats, which means they are stripped of important nutrients like fiber and B vitamins. These foods can also lead to blood sugar imbalances, weight gain, and other health problems.

Candy and sweets

Candy and other sweets are high in sugar and calories but low in nutrients. Consuming these foods can lead to weight gain, dental problems, and an increased risk of chronic diseases.

Artificial sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners like high fructose corn syrup, aspartame, and saccharin are often found in diet sodas and other "low-calorie" products. While they may seem like a healthier alternative to sugar or refined carbs, research suggests that they may have negative effects on gut health and metabolism, and may increase the risk of certain health problems.

Side Effects of Eating Unhealthy Foods

It's important to limit the consumption of the above-mentioned foods and choose a balanced diet rich in whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Otherwise, these are the following side effects you may experience.

Weight gain

Consuming foods high in calories, trans-fat, and sugar alcohols can lead to weight gain and obesity. These foods tend to be low in nutrients and high in energy. But it can lead to overconsumption and unhealthy body weight. In turn, being overweight or obese increases the risk of numerous health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.

Increased risk of chronic diseases

Processed foods, saturated fat, and foods with added sugar increase the risk of chronic diseases. For example, consuming too much saturated fat can raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease. Meanwhile, sugar and refined carbohydrates can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes by causing insulin resistance. Also, eating cured meats, and processed and red meat can increase the risk of certain cancers.

Fatigue

Eating food high in sugar and refined carbohydrates can cause blood sugar levels to spike and crash. This can lead to fatigue and decreased energy levels as these are quickly digested and absorbed into the bloodstream. As a result, it causes a rapid rise in blood sugar levels followed by a sharp drop. 

Poor mental health

Research has shown a link between processed foods and poor mental health, including depression and anxiety. Unhealthy diets can cause inflammation in the body, leading to a higher risk of depression. 

Dental problems

Foods high in sugar and starch can contribute to tooth decay and gum disease. When we consume these foods, the bacteria in our mouth produce acid, which can erode tooth enamel and lead to cavities. 

Digestive issues

Foods high in fat and sugar can cause digestive issues like bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. These foods can be difficult to digest and can disrupt the balance of good bacteria in the gut, leading to digestive discomfort. 

Poor sleep

Eating unhealthy foods before bed can lead to poor sleep quality and disrupted sleep patterns. These foods can be difficult to digest, causing discomfort and making it difficult to fall and stay asleep. What’s more, consuming caffeine and sugar before bed can also interfere with sleep quality. 

5 Tips on How to Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

Don’t wait for the time when you feel sick due to an unhealthy lifestyle. Here are the tips on how to avoid foods that are bad for your health.

Plan ahead.

One of the best ways to avoid unhealthy foods is to plan ahead and prepare your meals and snacks in advance. This can help you avoid the temptation of fast food and other unhealthy options when you're hungry and on the go.

Read food labels.

When shopping for groceries, it is best to read food labels, check their nutritional value, and look for products that are low in unhealthy fats, sodium, and sugar. Choose products that are high in fiber and protein and avoid those with long lists of ingredients, especially those with artificial sweeteners, flavors, and preservatives.

Cook at home.

Cooking at home is a great way to control the ingredients in your meals and avoid unhealthy additives and processed foods. Choose whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. It would also be ideal to experiment with healthy cooking methods like grilling, roasting, and baking.

Practice moderation.

While it's important to limit your consumption of unhealthy foods, you must practice and allow yourself to enjoy your favorite treats in moderation. This can help you avoid feelings of deprivation and make healthier choices in the long term.

Find healthy alternatives.

Instead of reaching for sugary drinks or fried foods, find healthy alternatives that can satisfy your cravings. For example, swap soda for sparkling water with a slice of fruit, or swap fried chicken for grilled chicken with a side of roasted vegetables. With a little creativity, you can make healthier choices that are just as satisfying as unhealthy options.

Lumina Homes believe that our health comes first in terms of investment. That is why among the features of our residential community are mini-parks, jogging paths, and children’s playgrounds. We encourage homeowners to practice healthy living and educate their children early through these amenities.

So, we invite aspiring buyers to invest in Lumina Homes. We can guarantee that we are more than just a community that provides affordable house and lot properties. We are committed to promoting healthy and comfortable living.

Do you want to know where our affordable house and lot for sale units are located? Check out our property listings page or leave a message in our chat below for specific inquiries.