#1. Bottled water.
Let’s be honest, it’s just the same as tap water but with fancy marketing. In some cases, local water systems have actually been proven to be cleaner than bottled water — and tap water doesn’t add harmful plastic to the environment.
#2. Coconut oil.
Coconut oil (CO) is similar to olive oil (OO) in calorie and fat content, but compared to the 1g of saturated fat and 10g of healthy fat in OO, CO contains a whopping 12g of saturated fats, which are linked to higher cholesterol and even type-2 diabetes.
#3. Himalayan salt.
The pinkish color of the salt comes from iron oxide (yep, that’s rust) and minerals, and Himalayan salt does have a fraction less sodium than regular salt. But it’s still just plain old salt and will affect your body like table salt.
#4. Multivitamins.
Decades of research suggests they don’t have any effect on the average heathy person and, if you eat enough fruits and vegetables, you’ll get all the nutrients you need from your diet.
#5. Agave nectar.
Celebrated as the low-GI alternative to regular sugars, agave was recently discovered to contain fructose, the same sweetener found in high fructose corn syrup. Like salt, nutritionists say that whatever form it comes in, it’s still just sugar.
#6. Anything that claims to “detoxify”.
Humans have survived for millenia without detoxifying drinks because your kidneys and liver do a top job of taking the bad stuff out of your body. Save money and stick to water.
#7. Juices.
While juicing gives your body a nutrient hit, it removes all the fiber, which leaves you feeling satisfied and full, while keeping all the sugar. High-sugar, low-protein diets can lead to hunger pangs, mood swings, low energy, and even loss of muscle mass.
#8. Almond butter.
The super-expensive vegan favorite is exactly the same as peanut butter, with healthy fats, protein, and vitamin E — it’s just four times the price.
#9. Almond milk.
We’re not attacking almonds here (they’re packed full of protein), but almond milk contains around 2% almonds and artificially added vitamins. Try soy or skim milk instead.
#10. Gluten-free bread.
Around 1% of the US population suffer from celiac disease, but many people who experience (perfectly normal) bloating and gas after eating (regardless of wheat content). Stop worrying and eat the bagel.
#11. Coconut water.
Instagram’s post-workout favorite is full of potassium and minerals, but it comes at a hefty price. Water and a piece of fresh fruit are just as good.
#12. Granola.
Granola is packed with sugar and, as it’s so calorie-dense, it’s easy to overeat. One bowl of granola contains 600 calories (that’s two sandwiches), so either eat half the amount of swap to fruit or natural yoghurt.
#13. Egg whites.
Egg yolks got a bad rap for causing cholesterol a while ago, but new research suggests that they won’t do you any harm. Unless you already have high cholesterol, enjoy your eggs sunny side up.