"Good-For-You" Food Myths

Watch out! These 5 seemingly "good-for-you" foods are really surprisingly unhealthy.

1. You think eating breakfast is healthy, but: "Any food with a lot of added sugar, even yogurt, can make your energy level take a nosedive about an hour after your eat it," says Dawn Jackson Blatner, R.D. Stick to a mix of protein, fiber and whole grains; choose yogurt with 12 grams of sugar or less.
2. You think salad is healthy, but: Greens won't do you much good if you drown them in cheese, croutons and creamy dressing. "Fat takes a long time to be digested and makes us feel sluggish," explains Blatner. Instead, load up on lean protein such as chicken, fiber-rich chickpeas and nutritious veggies like tomatoes, broccoli and red peppers.
3. You think any snack that isn't fried is healthy, but: Low-fat, low-cal pretzels and potato chips seem like a smart snack--trouble is, "these processed dry foods speed through your system," says Blatner. Choose popcorn or multi-grain pretzels for a steady, long-lasting energy boost.
4. You think dried fruit is healthy, but: It's loaded with sugar. Munch on raw fruit instead. "The water in it will energize you," says Blatner.
5. You think coffee is healthy, but: Drink too much and you can get the jitters. your best bet for improved focus and quick thinking--without the shakes--is to stick to about two cups before noon, advises Blatner.

Taken from October 2007 issue of Fitness