Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
Smoked and Cured Meats
Rather than dishing out $22 a pound for this delicious stuff, look for varieties like Pecorino Romano and SarVecchio, which taste the same, but cost half the price.
These meats have been linked to cancer, disease, high blood pressure, and migraines.
“Blueberry” items
On top of it, they’re packed with artery-clogging grease (regulations allow up to 50% to be fat).
It turns out, most of the "blueberry-flavored" items on grocery store shelves don't feature any real berries, they are just artificial blueberry flavor.
Multi-grain bread
Rather, buy your own berries and add them to cereal or muffins for a real health boost.
Make sure to always check the ingredient list to see if whole wheat is the first, and main, ingredient.
Reduced fat peanut butter
If it's not, you’re just getting a few grains mixed into regular white bread.
When the fat is removed from peanut butter, something has to be added back into it to make the food taste delicious. In this case, it’s lots of extra sugar.
Bottled tea
Rather, spread regular peanut butter on your sandwich for more of the good fats and protein without fake sweetness.
If you want to save money and not pack on the pounds, brew your own tea at home.
Tomato-based pasta sauces
Its been proven that these bottled drinks contain more sugar than pie.
On average, a jar of spaghetti sauce can run anywhere from $2 to $6. Whereas the same amount of canned tomatoes is around $1.
Swordfish
With that being said, make your own sauce from canned crushed tomatoes or fresh tomatoes. Add your favorite wine, a dash of sugar, herbs and chopped vegetables!
Energy drinks
Swordfish can be high in mercury, so instead, choose smaller fish, like flounder, catfish, sardines, and salmon.
The FDA has received numerous reports linking brands like 5 Hour Energy and Monster Energy to heart attacks, convulsion, and even death.
Gluten-free baked goods
Rather, drink a cup of coffee for that needed energy boost.
If you aren't diagnosed with celiac disease or a gluten intolerance, "gluten-free" doesn't necessarily mean healthy.
Flavored non-dairy milks
More often these baked snacks are packed with more refined flours, artificial ingredients, and sugar than traditional baked goods.
While dairy itself isn't healthy, neither are flavored non-dairy milks. They contain a ton of added sugars, and aren't cheap!
Foods made of WOOD
If you are tying to be healthy, stick to the unsweetened non-dairy milks.
White rice
Next time you are enjoying a snack bar, look at the ingredient list and you may find an ingredient called "cellulose." Well, turns out that cellulose is a code word for "wood pulp."
Frozen vegetables
There is a 17% higher risk of diabetes associated with eating five or more servings of white rice per week.
Sure, you can buy an 8-ounce packet of peas in an herbed butter sauce, but why do so when you can make your own?
Microwave sandwiches
When you freeze foods, you also risk losing some of the vegetables nutrients.
Premium frozen fruit bars
When you buy a pre-made sandwich, you're really just paying for its elaborate packaging and a whole lot of salt, fat, and unnecessary additives.
For around $2 per bar, frozen 'all fruit' or 'fruit and juice' bars may not be rich in calories, but they are certainly rich in price. Instead, make your own at home with 2 cups cut-up fruit, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 1 teaspoon lemon or lime juice.
Boxed rice 'entree' or side-dish mixes
Blend it up, maybe add a little water and you are good to go!
These pricey boxes consist basically of rice, salt (a lot), and spices.
Instead, save yourself the money, make your own with a bag of rice, your own herbs and other seasonings and bon appétit.