You had me at halo.
Health halos are foods that seem healthy because they are marketed as “organic,” “low-fat,” “natural” or “gluten-free,” but they’re not actually good for you since they’re high in sugar, salt or calories.
Research has consistently shown that consumers have trouble distinguishing health halos. For example, a recent study found that people “significantly underestimated” the calories in high-calorie items slapped with an organic label.
Jimmy Chill — head chef at Olea & Bloom, a Mediterranean restaurant at an indoor padel facility in South Florida — knows that it can be difficult separating nutrition from notion.
“With years of experience as both a private and commercial chef specializing in curating nutrient-driven menus, I’ve seen firsthand how ‘health food’ marketing buzzwords can make healthy eating become confusing,” Chill said.
He reveals five “healthy” foods that don’t live up to the hype.
Açaí bowls
These spoonable smoothies may seem wholesome because they’re made with puréed acai berries and other frozen fruits — but the problem often lies with the toppings.
“Once you add granola, fruit and honey, this superfood becomes a sugar bomb that will eventually make you crash,” Chill explained.
He recommends steering clear of store- and cafe-bought bowls, which are often filled with added sweeteners and preservatives, in favor of making them at home with 100% pure açaí fruit.
Processed vegetarian products and veggie chips
“Plant-based does not always mean it’s healthy,” Chill said. “Many plant-based products are made with lab-created ingredients and are highly processed.”
In fact, a UK study last year found that vegetarians tend to consume more ultra-processed foods than people who eat a “modest amount of meat or fish.”
One plant-based food that gets Chill salty is veggie chips.
“[They] actually offer no vegetable nutritional value,” he said. “The vegetables have to be cooked down so much that all nutrients are lost, and many brands use refined starches. Ditch the fake plants and opt for whole vegetables.”
Protein shakes
Protein is being wedged into everything from coffee and cereals to chips and even peanut butter that’s already packed with protein.
Chill said you need to be particularly careful with protein shakes — and not just because a new investigation found that many contain concerning levels of lead.
“Usually labeled as meal replacements or weight-loss options, protein shakes contain a mixture of highly concentrated ingredients such as soy protein or isolated milk protein to reach a high ‘serving’ of protein per plastic bottle,” he noted.
“Additionally, they often contain artificial sweeteners and other additives that can hurt your gut microbiome and ultimately affect your digestion and even your mental clarity.”
Smoothies and detox juices
“As with veggie chips, blending fruits can degrade nutrients, and most store-bought options are pasteurized, which reduces the freshness,” Chill said. “Smoothies can also be extremely high in calories.”
And there’s no need for detox juices, he added, since a healthy body detoxes on its own.
Instead, he suggests swapping your smoothie for a cold-press juice with no fillers or added sugars.
Olive oil
The juice of pressed olives has long been touted as the nectar of the health gods because it contains monounsaturated fats, a rich supply of antioxidants like polyphenols and anti-inflammatory compounds that combat oxidative stress and cellular damage.
“While olive oil does contain heart-healthy fats, it’s all about portion control,” said Chill, nodding to olive oil’s high caloric count.
“And not all oils are created equal,” he continued. “At Olea & Bloom, I use cold-pressed olive oils sourced from the Middle East (Turkey and Lebanon) for purity and flavor.”
