Labor Day is just around the corner (okay, it’s a few weeks away), which means that there’s one last round of summer barbecues that will be just packed full of food to look out for.
But which ones are the absolute worst? Here’s a handy guide to which ones to skip, no matter what.
- Commercially baked goods. These are those mass-produced sickly sweet iced sugar cookies from the grocery store, or deep fried foods, or doughnuts. They all contain partially hydrogenated oil, which means that it’s stuffed with trans fats. These can increase your bad cholesterol and lower your good cholesterol, meaning you’re at a higher risk for diabetes and heart disease.
- Energy drinks—especially in your cocktails. There’s nothing worse than a vodka Red Bull for giving you empty calories. Energy drinks are full of taurine, sugar, and acidity, and adding the alcohol just makes all of its effects worse.
- Sliders/Pigs in a Blanket. These snacks are bite-sized versions of the real thing, so they seem harmless. But all that means is that you eat more, meaning you’re consuming more processed meat and refined carbs than you usually would.
- Potato chips. High in sodium and calories and low in nutritional value, there’s no argument in favor of potato chips.
- Soda. Do we still have to explain this one? You may as well shotgun several sugar packets in a row. ##MN_RESP##
- Bread. Snacking on bread instead of something with protein like a meat or veggie tray is a quick way to keep you eating more. You’ll feel full after your high-carb snack, and then just feel hungry again in a few hours. Just do yourself a favor and stay away from the refined carbs.
Hopefully this list helps you navigate the minefield of party foods! And hey, it’s just one day a year. Don’t judge yourself too hard if you do end up indulging.
Which of these risky party foods is your favorite?
Photo Copyright © 2013 torbakhopper/Flickr
