It’s time to debunk some food myths and uncover the dirty secrets of so-called “healthy” foods. Prepare to be surprised, shocked, and possibly even disgusted as we reveal the truth behind these popular beliefs.

Oh, granola, how we’ve been deceived. With its crunchy texture and nutty flavour, granola seems like the perfect breakfast food. But the truth is, most store-bought granola is loaded with sugar and calories. In fact, a single serving of granola can contain as much sugar as a can of soda! So, if you’re trying to watch your waistline, you might want to skip the granola and opt for something less deceiving, like a boiled egg or a bowl of plain oatmeal.

Smoothies are often touted as a healthy meal replacement or snack option. But beware, not all smoothies are created equal. Many store-bought smoothies are loaded with sugar and calories, thanks to the addition of fruit juice, frozen yogurt, and other sweeteners. If you’re making your own smoothies at home, be sure to use fresh or frozen fruit, unsweetened almond milk or yogurt, and skip the added sugars.

Agave nectar is often touted as a healthy alternative to sugar. After all, it comes from the agave plant, which is also used to make tequila. But the truth is, agave nectar is not as healthy as it seems. In fact, it contains more fructose than high-fructose corn syrup! Fructose is a type of sugar that can be harmful in large quantities, leading to weight gain, insulin resistance, and other health problems. So, if you’re looking for a healthy sweetener, you might want to try honey or maple syrup instead.

Gluten-free products have become all the rage in recent years, thanks to the growing awareness of celiac disease and gluten intolerance. But the truth is, many gluten-free products are no healthier than their gluten-containing counterparts. In fact, they often contain more sugar, fat, and calories to compensate for the lack of gluten. So, unless you have a medical reason to avoid gluten, there’s no need to switch to gluten-free products.

Veggie chips are often touted as a healthy alternative to regular potato chips. After all, they’re made from vegetables, right? Well, not exactly. Most veggie chips are made from potato flour and cornstarch, with only a small amount of vegetables. And, like regular potato chips, they’re often fried in oil and loaded with salt. So, if you’re looking for a healthy snack, you might want to opt for raw veggies with hummus or salsa instead.

Fruit juice is often marketed as a healthy drink option, but the truth is, it’s not as healthy as it seems. Most fruit juice contains a high amount of sugar and calories, without the fibre and nutrients found in whole fruits. Plus, drinking fruit juice can lead to blood sugar spikes and insulin resistance, which can increase the risk of diabetes and other health problems. So, if you’re looking for a healthy drink option, try water, tea, or unsweetened almond milk instead.

Protein bars are often marketed as a healthy snack option, but the truth is, many of them are little more than glorified candy bars. Most protein bars contain a high amount of sugar and calories, along with artificial flavours and preservatives. So, if you’re looking for a healthy snack, try raw nuts or seeds, Greek yogurt, or a hard-boiled egg instead.

The myth that fat is bad for you has been perpetuated for years, and yet it’s completely untrue. In fact, fat is an essential nutrient that our bodies need to function properly. The key is to focus on healthy fats, like those found in nuts, avocados, and fatty fish, and avoid unhealthy fats, like those found in fried foods and processed snacks.

The belief that eating late at night causes weight gain is a popular misconception, but it’s not entirely true. Your body doesn’t care when you eat, as long as you’re not overeating. So, if you’re hungry at night, go ahead and have a snack. Just make sure it’s a healthy one, like a piece of fruit or a handful of nuts.

This idea has been around for as long as we can remember: drink eight glasses of water a day to stay hydrated. But the truth is, there’s no magic number when it comes to how much water you should drink. It depends on a variety of factors, like your age, weight, and activity level. So, instead of obsessing over a specific number, just drink water when you’re thirsty and make sure you’re staying hydrated throughout the day.