The 9 Most Deceptive Foods that Everyone Thinks are Healthy but Are Not

Have you heard that yogurt can help you lose weight? Actually, lowfat yogurt and other common “health foods” might not be the healthiest snacks.

Do you know that some “health foods” are not actually healthy? Common “healthy” foods like milk, cereal, yogurt, wheat bread and even fruit juice can actually harm your health!

Our guide dispels common myths about deceptive foods and gives you some wholesome alternatives:

1. Pasteurized Milk
   Milk is touted as a healthy food, and most people assume that it “does a body good.” But pasteurization destroys active enzymes and denatures the fragile proteins in milk. It also kills beneficial bacteria and lowers the vitamin content of your milk.

   A better alternative? Nutritious raw milk contains essential fatty acids that boost your immunity to fight disease.

   Learn more about the dangers of the pasteurization process and the benefits of raw milk.

   Please note: At Body Ecology we do not recommend milk, especially in the first stage of The Diet. Some people never do well on dairy foods usually because the protein casein is difficult to digest and is often dehydrating and constipating. Dairy is often mucous-forming for many as well. If you do introduce dairy into your diet and find you thrive on it, then please ferment it. Kefir is unique in that it can be made with raw milk.

2. Soy products
   Soy products, including soy milk and soy protein have been linked to digestive distress, immune system breakdown, PMS, endometriosis, reproductive problems for men and women, allergies, ADD, higher risk of heart disease and cancer, malnutrition and loss of libido.¹
   A better alternative? Fermented soy products like miso soup, natto and tempeh.
3. Low Fat Yogurt
   Have you seen commercials proclaiming yogurt’s weight loss benefits? Most commercial yogurts are not only pasteurized but also contain substantial amounts of sugar or (even worse) synthetic sugar substitutes that can damage your brain and nervous system. If they do contain beneficial bacteria like lactobacillus acidophilus, the benefits are often outweighed by the sugar content.

   A better alternative? Why not make your own probiotic-rich kefir (as mentioned above) at home? Use a Body Ecology starter to ferment your own raw milk kefir. It is as easy to make as :Kool-Aid…you just have to wait 24 hours before drinking it. Kefir made at home contains much more potent amounts of beneficial microflora. Kefir also contains beneficial yeast that help control pathogenic yeast.

   For more information, read: Why Dannon Activa™ and other Mass Market Probiotic Products are Not as Healthy as You Think

4. Oatmeal
   Oatmeal seems harmless enough and doesn’t actually contain gluten. But oatmeal can be unsafe if you have a wheat or gluten sensitivity² because farmers often grow oats in fields that previously had grains like barley and wheat. The other grains can contaminate the oats and could be dangerous for anyone with gluten sensitivity.

   A better alternative? For a warm, convenient morning meal, try Body Ecology’s Hot Breakfast Porridge recipe.

5. Whole Grains
   Many foods from bread to breakfast cereals advertise that they are now made with whole grains. While it’s true that the fiber from whole grains can protect you from cancer,³ conventional whole grains are not necessarily your best option.

   Conventional whole grains lack vitamins and minerals, can be difficult to digest, and often cause allergenic responses, contributing to autoimmune disorders like Celiac disease.⁴

   A better alternative? Grain-like seeds millet, quinoa, buckwheat, and amaranth are gluten free, do not feed candida act as prebiotics, have a calming effect and are full of vitamins and minerals.

   For more on Body Ecology’s recommended grain-like seeds, read: The Risks of Consuming Typical Gains and the Healthy Grains to Choose Instead

6. Fruit Juice and Sodas
   Fruit juice may be delicious, but it’s often loaded with even more high-fructose corn syrup than actual juice! High fructose corn syrup has been linked to increased cholesterol levels, blood clots, and impaired immunity. Sodas are no better as we all are well aware.

   A FAR better alternative? Delicious, healthy and convenient Dong Quai and Coco-Biotic, both of which you are strongly urged to learn more about and try today!

   Another good choice is Young Coconut Kefir mixed with sparkling mineral water and flavored with Stevia and lemon or lime juice makes a fizzy and sweet “soda.”
   Find out how to replace juices and caffeine laden “energy” drinks with healing probiotic liquids by reading: Energy Drink Nutrition: The Dangers You Need to Know and the Best Choices Instead

7. Cereal
   Cold cereal seems like a convenient and healthy meal, but combined with pasteurized milk, it can be a bowl full of nutritionally damaging food. Cereal itself undergoes a process called extrusion that denatures its proteins (making them toxic) and destroys the grains’ naturally occurring fatty acids. The result is a nutritionally void carrier for sugar and sodium.
   For more on cereal and healthy alternatives, read: The Four Major Health Risks of Conventional Grains and the Healthy Weight-Optimizing Grains to Choose Instead.

   A better alternative? Make your morning meal green! Try Vitality SuperGreen or a Good Morning Greens Smoothie to start your day off right.

   Follow that with some healthy breakfast ideas from Donna Gates!

8. Processed Cheese
   Processed cheeses, especially individually wrapped slices, have little nutritional value. They are pasteurized and often have fillers and preservatives.

   A better alternative? Make Young Coconut Kefir cheese or on stage two of the Body Ecology diet, once your gut is populated with dairy-loving microflora, try cheeses made from fermented raw milk to flavor your salads.

9. Protein Bars
   Protein bars now compete with candy bars in convenience stores and grocery aisles, but these quick snacks are not necessarily healthy. Many protein bars use soy protein and count sugars in their top 3 ingredients! Instead of offering you a healthy option, they actually contribute to fungal infections.

   A better alternative? Soaked almonds and other nuts are easy and delicious snacks for those on the go! Or try RenewPro for an energizing, gut-healing source of protein. You can mix it in water or even eat a scoop between meals. You’ll love the delicious taste of this truly healthy source of protein.

   Food advertisements can be deceptive, but you CAN find delicious food that is also good for you. Use this list to help you make decisions about what to feed your family.