Foods That Aren't As Unhealthy As Most People Think
Reddit user Meerkate asked: 'What are some foods that aren't as unhealthy as people make them out to be?'
Sources provided by health experts informed us to eat fruits and vegetables in order to nourish our bodies with energy, and to drink milk to ensure we grew up with strong bones and muscles.
However, nowadays, consumers are confused.
There seems to be conflicting information every day regarding the benefits, or harm, of eating the foods we were always told were detrimental to our health.
Curious to hear from strangers online about our misconceptions regarding the foods we eat, Redditor Meerkate asked:
"What are some foods that aren't as unhealthy as people make them out to be?"
People discuss everyone's favorite movie snack.
Pass The Popcorn
"Popcorn. For how good it tastes, it has almost nothing bad in it."
"You add the salt and butter of course, and those arent great, but you're not getting a super high amount of those."
– mithridateseupator
"Adding in decent quality butter (not margarine) and a few shakes of regular salt is not unhealthy at all. The problem is with the sh*t that movie theatres put in popcorn."
– puffy_capacitor
Careful With The Seasoning
"My body started rejecting movie theater popcorn butter when I was about 25. That stuff will make you sh*t your pants and miss the end of the movie. Just salt for me thanks. Real melted butter at home or at Alamo Drafthouse."
– jesusbatman
Healthy Suggestion
"I love popcorn."
"You probably buy the kernels too but for those who don't, it's significantly cheaper and healthier to buy just a big container of popcorn kernels."
"Pop them on the stove top with a small amount of oil and sprinkle some finely ground salt (that's what movie theaters use for that magic flavor) and you're golden."
"It's super easy. I don't even add butter."
"You can also pop kernels in the microwave in a paper bag or in a bowl without buying the pre-bagged stuff. You'll never go back to those once you've popped your own kernels."
"An air popper works too of course, though that will definitely require butter."
– VralShi
Redditors talk about the health benefits of eating certain kinds of fat.
Not So Fat
"Fat in general (not the trans ones tho)"
– LenkaSky
"The low fat craze of the late ‘90s/early ‘00s has A LOT to answer for. My mom is still ridiculous about it. Yeah, moderation is good, but you can add some butter to your food so it’s edible and still live a long life."
– burgher89
Fat Is Your Friend
"Fat is a great source of sustained energy that doesn’t boost your blood glucose like other options."
– honorificabilidude
"You really, really need fat in your diet for proper hormone regulation and other important body processes!"
– aledaml
Go easy on the carbs.
Hey Spud
"Potatoes got several countries through famine! Probably alot of people associate them with fatty fries or crisps."
– Meerkate
Get Starchy
"Boil em, mash em, stick em in a stew"
– DokiDoodleLoki
"Exactly this. High satiation and low cost. You can wash out a lot of the starch if you're worried about it."
– The_Quicktrigger
Let's discuss fruity.
Nature's Candy
"I’m so tired of hearing people talk about 'all the natural sugar in fruit.'”
"I guarantee you this banana is healthier than potato chips and cookies."
– Sharyn913
"My mom has done basically ever fad diet ever, but one thing I do like about the 'new' Weight Watchers is that fruits, vegetables, and lean meats like chicken breast are zero points. I think the logic behind it is that there is no f'king way you're going to eat enough carrot sticks and apples to make yourself gain weight, so they're trying to encourage people to default to that stuff when they're hungry even if they're out of points rather than just starving until they give up and eat a bunch of unhealthy foods. Weight Watchers doesn't really work long term, but that detail is nice."
– standbyyourmantis
Saving Grace
"I think its the fiber in fruit that makes it not as bad. Also, it has nutrition to make up for it unlike the cookie that's just all refined flour and sugar."
– Tangerine_memez
Calorie Count
"There are scientific studies suggesting that not all the calories in nuts are bioavailable, so you might only get 75% of the calories! There are also studies showing they contribute to weight loss even despite being high in calories."
– kazzah31
When I was told butter is actually a better alternative to margarine–which is known to contain trans fat–I started cooking more with butter.
I believe we can eat anything in moderation, so as much as I love smearing pads of butter on my English muffin, I take it easy.
When it comes to baking with it and putting it on toast, nothing beats the flavor of my favorite dairy fat.
People Share The Weirdest Food Combinations They've Ever Come Up With
Why go spend tons of money on eating out when there are plenty of options at home that can constitute a meal?
Many people on a budget are very resourceful when it comes to food options that can be found in the back of their fridges and pantries–granted anything found hasn't spoiled.
You too can save your hard-earned money by manifesting your inner chef and creating palatable meals.
For those who've thought outside the box and put together a delicious concoction, Redditor wildwoodflower_ asked:
"What's a food combo you love that people think you're weird for?"
People slapped two ingredients together to come up with quick and easy masterpieces.
Jamming Out
"Not me but a close friend: fried eggs with strawberry jam"
– Temporary-Patient-47
Crunchy And A-Peel-ing
"One of my grandmothers used to like stuffing a few pretzel sticks down a banana. Salt and the crunch with the banana is a surprisingly decent mix of texture and flavor. She called it 'Bananas with bones.'"
– EffyewMoney
A Potent Combo
"I used to eat tuna and spicy v8 like every day my first year in college. It gave me some paint peeling gas that almost killed my roommate. 20 years later, I still get sh*t for that."
– TrickyXT
Pacific Northwest Delight
"Seattle dogs are my jam, hotdog with cream cheese and caramelized onions"
– giggles________
These basic ingredients can be the perfect foundation for anything cheap and delectable.
Quintessential Ingredient
"So the general consensus here is peanut butter + anything."
– Lonely_Custard_5838
British Savory Condiment
"Being British you can divide the country with Marmite with anything."
– oldhandnewmind
It's A Wrap!
"I like making PB&J with tortillas, I spread it on then roll it up, it reminds me of those Smuckers uncrustables but better."
– Dude_Baby
Try Not To Sneeze
"Cottage cheese with a sh*t ton of ground black pepper mixed in, used as a dip for potato chips."
"Mmm it’s been too long since I’ve had this."
– Quirky_Word
It's Their Jam
"Sausage McMuffin with hash brown and grape jelly."
"I assumed this was pretty common, but I have never come across another person who does this. most people think it's gross."
– run66
Two different snacks came together and delighted the palates of these Redditors.
Sweet And Savory
"Chili with a cinnamon roll."
– MrDover2112
Tasty And Tangy
"Brownies with orange juice."
"Also havarti cheese and corn (I was high when I discovered this)"
– cookiedux
As a kid, my husband liked to eat sandwiches consisting of bologna and peanut butter together.
I winced, but he swears by it.
I just have to believe him because that combo doesn't make any sense to me at all.
But hey, to each their own.
I can't live without meat or fish in my diet.
I tried. It wasn't pretty.
But I respect those who have that strength.
But sometimes, that strength fades.
The smell of bacon can make anyone weak in the knees.
There are many reasons why people rejoin the carnivore party.
Redditor Seyli04 wanted to know what brought people back to the meat, so they asked:
"People who used to be vegetarians/vegans, what made you stop?"
I have never understood the vegan/vegetarian life.
Not for me.
Changes
Season 4 Vegan GIF by The OfficeGiphy"A change in health circumstances led to a (doctor-recommended) restrictive diet which meant cutting out a number of fruits and vegetables. Couple that with gluten intolerance and veganism and I could barely eat anything. I had to prioritize my health."
fatherly_handshake
Whatever. Let's Eat!
"I was a vegetarian for 1.5 years. I came home to care for my grandfather, last stages cancer. Upon my arrival he made a lot of meat food that I used to love. (Gołąbki, he made the best i ever ate). He forgot I don't eat meat. I told him that and I watched his face became so sad... f**k it, I'm going to eat it. He was so happy to cook for me while he still could."
RandomPolishGurl
Earth Love
"Realized I was using being vegan as an excuse to enable my eating disorder. Less options for me to eat, almost never had to eat out with friends/family or on the holidays. I do love animals/Earth and told myself that’s why I was vegan but… I don’t fully know."
"I couldn’t fully recover until I had a less restrictive diet."
hell-is-in-your-mind
I Chose Meat!
"Found out my body just trends towards anaemia. I was vegetarian for 5 years as a teenager and just dealt with it but then I got really ill and my doctor basically told me I would need monthly iron infusions or I could eat meat again. I chose meat. Tried to go back to vegetarianism recently but felt such an enormous drop in energy levels I just couldn’t maintain it."
maps_mandalas
Allergy Issues
Season 2 Episode 21 GIF by MartinGiphy"Way too many of the vegetarian/vegan substitutes rely on tree nuts/peanuts/soy, which I'm severely allergic to. As it is, I follow a mostly pescatarian diet, unless someone else wants to do the cooking for me!"
meltedsnowflake
We can't mess with allergies these days.
Lives are in the balance.
Mom's Gotta Eat
Food Porn Eating GIF by Tricia GraceGiphy"Becoming a mother. If I don’t eat leftover chicken nuggets I don’t eat."
WaveNimbus
"Pregnancy, when I was hungry, which wasn't frequently, I couldn't eat anything but meat, salads and some fruits. I've pretty keep this diet once in a while I'll crave carbs, but honestly I feel much better than when I was a vegetarian so..."
FateOfTheElephant
No Thanks
"I also stopped being vegetarian because of how it enabled my eating disorder, which I went to recovery for 12 years ago. I’ve considered myself fully recovered for the past 9 or so years."
I’ve basically banned myself from banning anymore food groups ever again because of this. I’ll allow myself to 'eat less of X food' like ice cream or meat or whatever but removing a food group from my diet is too risky for me. Turning down food 'because I can’t (choose not to) eat it' is way too addictive. No thanks."
trustmeimalinguist
When Seeing the Earth
"Traveled and lived in places where there truly was not adequate nutrition available as a vegan - true malnutrition is awful. Plus, cultural expectations in those areas around entertaining guests, hospitality, celebrations, and rituals don’t always leave the option open to refuse a specific food without offending or hurting the host or community, which meant that I needed to consider balancing my preferences with the needs and practices of the communities I was living in."
"Today, I’m primarily plant-based in practice but don’t call myself vegetarian or vegan. I learned a lot about how I think about food, food culture, and the privilege of choice from those experiences."
droptophamhock
Ouch
"I was a vegetarian for 10 years and honestly I just felt like it was too much of a pain. I still limit my meat, I won't prepare it for myself and if given a vegetarian option I will choose that. But if someone prepares meat for me or there aren't other options easily available I'll eat it."
erkala21
Bland Chefs
Merve Dizdar Food GIF by TRTGiphy"I was a vegetarian because I thought I hated meat. Turns out my mom couldn't cook, she never used seasoning. So once I got out on my own, and started cooking for myself, I learned I actually do like meat."
Catlover5566
I gotta have meat. I love it. I'm sorry.
Do you have similar experiences? We'd love to hear about in the comments below.
There are foods touted as the greatest, greenest elixir for health, and then the next thing you know, they cause cancer or love handles.
Sometimes it seems like you can't win.
We have a lot of unlearning to do when it comes to food.
Redditor Xirkil wanted everyone to discuss the menu and all of its pitfalls, so they asked:
"What food do people mistakenly consider healthy?"
The list is long.
Let's start compiling.
Bad Water
50 cent drinks GIF by MTV CribsGiphy"Vitamin Water. My dentist calls it 'sugar water.'"
suhurley
"It’s part of my hangover cure, has been since college. I believe the unhealthiness goes well with a McDonalds McDouble lol."
namasteanddietcoke
I Can't Say
"My coworker brags about how she quit drinking soda because its so unhealthy and instead drinks 6 Gatorades a day. I don't have the heart to tell her."
Zanzaclese
"I legit gave myself Edema from drinking a bunch of Gatorade regularly--it wasn't as caloric because it was the low or no sugar varieties--without enough physical activity or another method to sweat the electrolytes out or enough water to flush them out."
"It was crazy when my doctor asked about my beverage consumption habits and that's the diagnosis I walked out with. A treatment of diuretic and avoiding the sports drinks unless I've been sweating a lot or at least sparingly and my hands, arms, and feet returned to their normal size lol."
blackenedEDGE
So Many Calories
"Based on a lot of the comments it seems it needs to be stated that if something is high in calories or fats doesn’t mean it’s inherently unhealthy. Eating 400 calories of almonds is a lot more filling and nutritious than 400 calories of Cheetos."
Halonos
"The shocking one for me was the peanut butter. I’m one of those people who will just grab myself a heaping spoonful as a 'snack.' And I’ll think 'Welp, a bit of protein would be great!' I’m probably downing f**king 500 calories with one mouthful."
CanWeAllJustCalmDown
From the Sea
"I read about a case where a guy was told to eat more fish, because of his heart health. But he only put on weight and his cholesterol, blood pressure and whatnot only got worse and worse. So the doctor asked a bit more carefully about his diet and the guy admitted to eating a lot of creamed fish soups, like chowder. So he was adding a little bit of seafood and a huge amount of cream to his diet. Not a good way to lose weight or lower your cholesterol!"
internet_commie
Low Quality
Sipping Lights Out GIF by Lights Out with David SpadeGiphy"Fruit juice often has as much sugar as a soda."
friendweiser
"It's only redeeming quality is that it has a few vitamins. Cutting out fruit juice helped me lose a lot of weight."
edlee98765
The fruit juice truth kills me.
Moderation
Ice Cream GIF by CallMeKatFOXGiphy"Frozen Yogurt. It might be better for you than ice cream but you still need to have it in moderation."
GrimmRetails
Alternatives
"Gluten free alternatives and gluten free diet in general. Obviously healthier if you have celiac/gluten intolerance as I do. Might also be healthier if you just cut gluten products out of your existing diet without adding replacements (essentially just becomes a low carb diet). But it’s amazing the number of people who think just switching all the junk in their diet to versions made with rice flour is going to magically make it way healthier."
ben121frank
All Lies
"Breakfast cereal. Grew up with the idea of it being 'part of a nutritious breakfast.' It's all lies. They might as well be donuts. Much like donuts, doesn't prevent me from loving the stuff."
CirothUngol
"I eat cereal for dessert. Never in the morning, but I will have a bowl after dinner when I have a sweet tooth."
Pamplemousse96
Bad Wisdom
"Completely excluding (natural) fats, sugars, etc. from their diets. You want a balanced diet, and excluding these often lead to eating more processed foods or a lack of protein or vitamins."
3ternaldumpsterfire
"It's outdated nutrition wisdom. back when they were trying to figure out why obesity was on the rise the processed sugar lobby tried to blame fat and that's why there's a market for low fat and fat free food."
"Now we know that sugar is the main culprit for obesity. it doesn't mean you should drink a cup of bacon grease every day, but nobody really does that (well some people do but they're weirdos and it's not common), but people do the equivalent of that with sugar all the time."
veenell
Six to ELEVEN
snacks offer GIF by safefoodGiphy"According to the food pyramid when I was a kid, grains/bread. Six to ELEVEN servings a day?!"
smugfruitplate
Time to be smarter about our diets and learn more about the food we get our fuel from.
What exactly is in that recipe?
That is one of life's most important questions.
With allergies and tastes all over the map, best to always ask before you eat.
Everyone has strong thoughts on food.
There is a visceral hatred for certain combinations and ingredients.
Families have fallen out over serving sweet potato pie or pumpkin.
The kitchen can be a dangerous place.
So let's try for a civil conversation.
Redditor xSurpriseShawtyx wanted everyone to disclose their thoughts on what we eat, so they asked:
"What’s your controversial food opinion?"
There is no reason to spice up everything.
Bland can be fun.
Disappointing
cauliflower GIF by It's SuppertimeGiphy"We put way too much pressure on cauliflower to be things that aren’t cauliflower."
prof_dynamite
"Cauliflower pizza will be disappointing every time. But if you CALL it a cauliflower flatbread, it’s not half bad. It’s all about expectations."
bowtothehypnotoad
Fill it Up
"Entire sleeve of crackers in my soup."
Loopy40
"Same! And chili. The chili basically has cheese, crackers, and Fritos added until it’s no longer a liquidy texture. You could sculpt a bust from a bowl of chili after I’m done adding the crackers."
bradizrad
"Yes, and/or Fritos, depending on what I have available. Sometimes both. If someone gives me chili with no crunchy addition, they can f**k right off."
strangveyn
"I love crackers with my ramen."
nice_whitelady
The Base
"Vanilla being used to describe bland or unexciting things is such a travesty. It has such a unique flavor (the real thing, not a flavor extract) and is the second most expensive spice after saffron."
jaimenazr
"I don't look down on it. It's just the base that a lot of the other flavors use. When I go to new ice cream places I always start with vanilla."
"Because if their vanilla (which should be amazing) sucks, the other flavors probably suck too. Using toppings and additives to hide the crap vanilla flavor."
"What does give vanilla a bad rap though... Cheap imitation vanilla extract. Buy the good stuff people!"
Cash091
The Real
"I prefer the term 'traditional' over 'authentic', and even 'traditional' is a very flexible term when it comes to food."
Time_Significance
"Also, some foods are authentic but may not be traditional. I’d say American Chinese is authentic because there’s no 'real' or 'fake' anything, but the dishes/ingredients may not be traditionally made/used like in China."
catonsteroids
Just Blah
animation loop GIF by Katy_Beveridge_StudioGiphy"Crab > Lobster. Lobster has always tasted like a shit*y crab to me no matter how expensive, fresh, or well-prepared it is."
WiiBowlingAnnouncer
"First time I had lobster was in culinary school. I couldn’t see the hype. It was such a huge letdown for me."
Majkokid
Who can hate lobster?! It's the king of the sea.
Gutsy
"Bacon doesn't go on everything."
IndependentOk2952
"I completely agree. I'm very picky when it comes to food and will not have bacon on my pizza!"
Dr_Cancer144
Pile Up
"Sandwiches overstacked with meat are usually very low quality and mess up the bread: meat: vegetables ratio that makes a sandwich enjoyable."
TacosDeLucha
"When I worked in foodservice I was taught to make deli sandwiches with meat folded and distributed to be thickest in the middle so the filling looks more generous when cut in half (even though it’s thin near the edges). Sandwiches made this way are silly and annoying."
ThatPtarmiganAgain
Not on my salad...
"Thousand island dressing is just fancy ketchup for salads."
LochNessMansterLives
"No one I know actually puts it on a salad. Honey mustard too. I put it on my salad and it was nasty."
nailback
I feel like thousand island, Russian dressing, and honey mustard are called salad dressings, but are really more for burgers, sandwiches and fried chicken, respectively. I dunno if I’ve ever actually had any of them on a pile of greens."
FormerLurker3
Bad Changes
"Girl scout cookies are overrated."
coffee_with_ghosts
"They used to be much better, especially the trefoils."
salamander13
"I was a girl scout in the 90s and LOVED Samoas. I've noticed multiple formula changes since then. They don't taste good anymore. Cheap garbage."
Gold_Snafu
Stay Away
episode 7 rib-wich GIFGiphy"The McRib should stop coming back."
RIPgingerbreadman
"The McRib is just the crappy pork sandwiches you'd get at school."
LikeGoldAndFaceted
I've never understood the McRib. I stand by that.
So, what are some controversial food opinions that you have? Let us know in the comments below.