America has introduced the world to some delicious foods, such as blueberry pancakes and Southern fried chicken. Some American foods are high in sugar and fat, making them suitable for an occasional treat, while others are best avoided altogether. Here’s a list of 17 American foods that should be avoided.
Corn Dogs
Corn dogs are a summertime staple at fairs, football games and backyard barbecues. But these deep-fried delights are very unhealthy as they contain a high amount of fat and salt. While the hotdog sausage does provide protein and there’s fiber in the corn, deep-frying means corn dogs are very calorific. According to Calorie King, the average jumbo corn dog contains 375 calories and 21 grams of fat.
Starbucks Frappuccino
Starbucks Frappuccinos are adored all over the world, but not many people pay attention to how much sugar and fat they contain. Depending on the size and flavor, one drink can contain a whopping 400-500 calories (based on a Venti 24 fl oz Venti measure). The main culprit behind the calorie count is the sugar content in the syrups, whipped cream, and other toppings.
Lucky Charms
Americans have a sweet tooth when it comes to cereal, which is worrying for dentists. Sugary cereals, like Lucky Charms and Chips Ahoy!, can spike blood sugar levels, leading to energy crashes and overeating, according to The American Medical Association. Choosing whole-grain cereals with low sugar content or making your granola with oats, nuts, and dried fruit can provide sustained energy and support heart health.
Boxed Mac N Cheese
While macaroni cheese is a tasty and filling dish, it’s best made from fresh ingredients. Boxes of mac-n-cheese contain processed cheese, which has high sodium levels, unhealthy fats, and preservatives. These can negatively impact heart health by raising blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Instead, opt for natural cheeses in moderation and choose low-sodium varieties when possible.
American Cheese
Another cheese product that’s best avoided is American cheese. This is a processed cheese heated and treated with chemicals to change its texture and flavor. This process can destroy some of the nutrients in the cheese leaving it with a plastic-like texture that can’t be good for your health.
Outback Baby Back Ribs
While very tasty, Outback’s baby back ribs contain 1430 calories per portion, which is over half of an adult’s recommended daily intake, as reported by USA Today. Add to that sides such as coleslaw, corn, and fries, and one meal can take you way over your allotted calories for the day.
Applebee’s Chicken Fajita Rollup
Advertised as a healthy option, Applebee’s Chicken Fajita Rollup actually contains 1,450 calories, which is a lot for a lunch option. The dish does contain juicy chicken, which is great and provides beneficial protein but cheese and high-calorie dressings, and a worrying 4230 milligrams of salt according to Nutrionix.
Sweet Potato and Marshmallow
Sweet potatoes and marshmallows are famous in the United States, especially during Thanksgiving. It is made with mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, butter, and marshmallows. Not only are non-Americans put off by the sound of this dish, it also contains high levels of fats and sugars which should be avoided, even it it is the Holidays.
Cinnabon Regular Caramel Pecanbon
One look at the Cinnabon Regular Caramel Pecanbon will have you drooling, but try not to give in to temptation. This gooey twist on the classic cinnamon roll contains 1,110 calories, 56 grams of fat, and an eye-watering 47 grams of sugar.
Pop-Tarts
Pop-Tarts are another sugar laden food that entice people with a sweet tooth. The tarts are advertised as a breakfast item, but they’re actually a high-sugar junk food with 206 calories per tart and 18 grams of sugar. While this may not seem as high as some foods, pop tarts are not filling so people end up eating more than one.
Frozen Yogurt
Frozen yogurt is not the most unhealthy food, but the problem is people think it’s better than it actually is, so they consume too much of it. Known as a child-friendly dessert, fro-yo, as it’s known, has a lower fat content than ice cream, but it has six times more sugar than protein, so it’s not as nutritious as parents think.
Frozen Pizza
Not only is frozen pizza farless superior than freshly-made pizza, it is often higher in fats and salts, which act as preservatives. Homemade pizza or pizzas made with flatbreads are a healthier option.
Coffee Creamer
Coffee creamer can be a convenient way to add flavor and creaminess to your coffee, but it’s not always the healthiest choice. Many creamers are loaded with added sugar, which can cause blood sugar spikes and crashes, leaving you feeling jittery and reaching for more sugary snacks. It’s best to stick to half-fat milk where possible.
Soda
We know that it’s not just Americans who drink soda, but it’s a staple on the shopping list in many homes in the U.S. Some sodas can contain 60 grams of sugar, which is enough to send dentists into shock.
Arby’s Curly Fries
A small order of Arby’s Curly Fries packs around 250 calories, which might seem reasonable, but a significant portion is more common and can reach up to 570 calories. They are a source of carbohydrates, but they are primarily refined carbohydrates, offering little fiber.
Burger King Oreo Shake
The Burger King Oreo Shake is a popular treat for those looking to satisfy their sweet tooth, but it should be consumed with caution. With approximately 90 milligrams of cholesterol, the shake accounts for 30% of the daily recommended intake.
Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches (PB&Js)
PB&Js are among the most popular foods in the United States as they’ re a classic comfort food enjoyed by people of all ages. But, PB&J is often consumed in place of nutritious foods, such as lean meats and salads. This can cause an issue, especially if kids have them in their lunch every day.
Mrs. Field’s Cookie Cups
You will find Mrs. Field’s Cookie Cups in most large malls in America. While the cookies are enticing, they are sugar-heavy and shouldn’t be eaten very often, if at all. Most flavors contain between 460–470 calories, and most of the carbohydrates come from sugar.
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