Kendall Selsor Sports Nutrition Intern Food & Nutrition, Winter 2015

How perfect would it be if you could obtain all the nutrients you need from your perfect junk food? Unfortunately, we do not live in a perfect world. However, the food industry execs have

tried to convince us otherwise with these pointless grocery store snacks.

Grocery Store No-No’s Part 4

Mountain Dew Voltage Soda – Soda is never a good option! It can cause dehydration and is

full of chemicals such as flame-retardants that are used to keep

plastics from bursting into flames. Sounds yummy right?

Instead: If you are looking to spice things up, add some

frozen berries to your water instead of ice!

Purdue Roaster – These chickens are enhanced with dangerously high levels of

potassium and phosphorus which can cause blood pressure

to raise.

Instead: Instead of wasting money on this “ready to cook”

chicken, buy normally packaged chicken breast and season

yourself! Cheaper and healthier!

Dole Fruit in Gel – Just because something says it has real fruit in it, doesn’t automatically make it healthy. These fruit cups are full of unnecessary sugar and the chemical carrageean (also in the iced coffee) which causes issues in your gut.

Instead: If you are looking for a cold treat, try frozen berries or real fruit popsicles such as the brand Outshine (only two ingredients -- fruit and water).

WhoKnew Smart Cookies -- There is nothing “smart” about these cookies. They may be jammed full of supplements, but it’s a trick. At the end of the day, it’s still a cookie.

Instead: You would be better off getting your vitamins naturally

by eating a piece of fruit or some veggies.

International Delight Iced Coffee – Although these look delicious, one serving contains 23 g of sugar and carrageean, which has been linked to gut issues.

Instead: Have a glass of chocolate milk using skim milk and Hershey’s syrup. This is healthier, cheaper, and great for recovery!