You’ll find tempting foods in America with outrageous portion sizes everywhere you look. From delicious sugary drinks to processed snacks, they’re hard to avoid no matter where you turn. It’s unreal, but numerous European countries have banned ingredients they still use in American food today. Check out our list of 15 stupid foods no one should be eating.
1. Bloomin’ Onion from Outback Steakhouse
The grocery store isn’t the only place where you’ll find some of the worst foods in America. One of the most popular appetizers at Outback Steakhouse, The Bloomin’ Onion, is one of the highest-calorie menu items. We know it’s hard to resist its deliciousness, but you’ll want to stay clear of this deep-fried dish and its empty calories.
2. Corn Dogs
This state-fair temptation is a favorite in the United States with its deep-fried cornbread batter. This isn’t nearly as bad as other foods; however, it contains processed meat, which is linked to heart disease. Save yourself the risk and make corn dogs at home with all-natural beef and olive oil!
3. Pop-Tarts
Do you remember eating Pop-Tarts for breakfast as a child? This tempting breakfast option might seem convenient when running out the door, but it contains unhealthy processed ingredients. This so-called breakfast is one high-sugar junk food you’ll want to avoid when you’re looking for something to start your day.
4. McDonald’s Big Breakfast
The McDonald’s Big Breakfast might seem like a cheap and easy breakfast option, but this breakfast platter that’s filled with pancakes, sausages, eggs, and hash browns is anything but a great choice. With this one meal alone, you’re consuming over your daily intake of calories, sodium, fats, and carbs! Do yourself a favor and avoid this “breakfast” at all costs!
5. Starbucks Frappuccino
Sorry to break your heart, but the Starbucks Frappuccinos have sadly made our list. This tempting “dessert” is filled with cheap ingredients and loaded with excessive amounts of processed sugar. Every sip is a sugar overload, and we haven’t even mentioned the chocolate or caramel drizzle!
6. French Fries
Ah, yes, America’s most beloved fried food! Most of us are guilty of this, but it’s hard not to eat a whole order of French fries when dining out with family or friends. This deep-fried favorite is outrageously high in calories and has minimal nutritional value, making it a pointless food option. Not to mention, if you have gluten intolerance or milk allergies, you’ll want to avoid French fries since they’re cooked in vegetable oil, which contains meat and dairy.
7. Sports Drinks
Youth teams and pro sports teams might think they’re receiving extra energy from sports drinks, but this extra sugar-filled drink is hardly good for you. Not only are these “energy” drinks loaded with sugar, but they contain artificial dyes. If you need an energy drink, opt for a healthy option that has electrolytes and minerals.
8. Frozen Yogurt
This kid-friendly dessert option is a family favorite on a warm summer’s day; however, it’s not the best treat. Frozen yogurt has a lower fat content than ice cream, but believe it or not, it has six times more sugar than protein. Not to mention, when you’re at a frozen yogurt shop, you’re more likely to pile on extra toppings, adding even more unhealthy sweetness.
9. Chips
This one’s a no-brainer, but this ideal party and cookout snack has landed itself with one of the worst reputations as an American food favorite. Even with their irresistible flavor, this snack favorite is loaded with carbs and sodium, making you more likely to consume the entire bag. Having potato chips occasionally is unlikely to have any long-last effects; however, eating them regularly can deplete your vitamins and minerals.
10. Soda
Another no-brainer, but one soda can has around sixty grams of sugar alone, and not only that, but it’s one of America’s top billion dollar products and accounts for a quarter of drink consumption. As shocking as it might seem, these small cans can do a lot of damage when consumed daily and should be avoided at all costs. Did you know that on average, Americans drink about thirty-eight gallons of soda every year?!
11. White Bread
Most Americans today use white bread for their family lunches, and you’ll almost rarely find a household that doesn’t consume white bread. This might surprise you, but white bread is one of the worst foods in America. Filled with added sugar, do yourself a favor and select a healthier option the next time you’re at the grocery store.
12. Frozen Pizza
You’ll find frozen pizza in every grocery store, but this quick dinner option is loaded with fat and preservatives. We know pizza is one of America’s guilty pleasures, but you might want to scale back your pizza consumption to play it safe. If you’re looking for an alternative option, opt for homemade pizza, grilled flatbread pizza, or naan bread pizza.
13. Coffee Creamer
This is one of the most shocking on our list, but you might want to pay extra attention to the coffee creamer you’re buying at the grocery store during your next visit. These flavored coffee creamers contain sugar, corn syrup, vegetable oil, and artificial flavors. Some shocking truths that you’ll find out about coffee creamer is that it doesn’t contain cream, it’s full of chemicals, and it will increase your sugar cravings.
14. Cocoa Pebbles
While cereal might be nostalgic, it’s one of the worst foods in America that you can give your children. Today’s cereals contain sugar, food dyes, and hydrogenated oils. If you’re looking for a better alternative to cereal for your kiddos, you can try rice puffs, overnight oats, protein yogurt, or apple almond oatmeal.
15. Bagels
Last but not least, bagels! While bagels aren’t technically a breakfast food, most Americans treat them like they are. If we’re being honest, we love a delicious bagel as much as anyone else, but they aren’t an excellent choice for your blood sugar levels. If you’re looking for an alternative option, try a whole-grain English muffin which have better portion sizes.
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