The refrigerator generally harbors the foods that cannot be left out, such as fruits, vegetables, and meat. Generally, these foods are healthy as they are unprocessed and have a shorter shelf life. Unfortunately, many of us are still stocking up on unhealthy staple items – often disguised as health foods – which we really should be discarding.
6 worst foods currently in your refrigerator
Low-fat milk or yogurt: Low-fat is all the rage right now, but if your milk or yogurt doesn’t contain fat you’re putting your health at risk. Researchers from Tufts University found that individuals who consume full-fat milk and yogurt were 46 percent less likely to develop diabetes, compared to those who drank skim milk or ate low-fat yogurt or cheese.
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Frozen vegetables with sauce: Frozen vegetables in general are a great option to have on hand for quick cooking. But if they are frozen in sauce, they must be tossed! Frozen vegetables with sauce contain more fat, calories, and sodium, which really should not be part of a veggie meal.
Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise, typically used for sandwiches, can easily have you racking up the calories. Instead, swap mayonnaise for mustard or even a pesto.
White bread: White bread may look harmless, but it is made of refined flour, meaning it is stripped of its nutrients. Furthermore, studies have shown that white bread may even be bad for your heart. Swap it for multigrain or whole wheat bread instead.
Processed meats: The World Health Organization (WHO) deemed processed meat to be a carcinogen, meaning it has the potential to cause cancer. Furthermore, processed meat is loaded with sodium, which is a nightmare for someone with high blood pressure. If you can’t live without your delis, opt for brands that do not contain nitrates or are lower in sodium.
Soda: The sugary, high-calorie beverage keeps catching slack for its unhealthiness. Studies have shown drinking two or more sodas a day increases the risk of heart disease in healthy postmenopausal women by 30 percent. Furthermore, soda drinkers are 50 percent more likely to die from cardiovascular problems, compared to non-soda drinkers. Even the diet variety has been linked to metabolic syndrome, which increases your risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Instead, opt for water, and if it needs a kick, add lemon, mint, or cucumbers.
