Healthy Foods That Become Unhealthy When You Eat Them the Wrong Way

39. Veggie Pasta: The Faux Healthy Carb

Chickpea, lentil, and zucchini-based pastas sound like a smart swap for regular noodles—but not all “veggie pastas” live up to the label. Many are simply regular pasta with a sprinkle of powdered vegetables, offering little added fiber or nutrition. Others, especially legume-based versions, can cause digestive upset if you’re not used to high fiber or resistant starches. If you're choosing veggie pasta for health reasons, read the label: you want 100% lentil, chickpea, or spiralized vegetables as the only ingredients. Pair with a balanced sauce (think olive oil and greens, not heavy cream) to maximize its benefits.

40. Trail Mix: A Snack with a Sugar Problem

Trail mix has long been the go-to for active lifestyles, but what starts as a healthy snack can quickly derail your goals. Many mixes include sweetened dried fruit, chocolate chunks, and candied nuts, turning a protein-rich snack into a sugar minefield. Even "natural" trail mix often hides 20+ grams of sugar per serving. Portion sizes are also deceptively small—what fits in your hand might pack over 300 calories. Build your own mix with raw nuts, unsweetened dried fruit, and seeds. That way, you control the ingredients—and turn trail mix back into the energizing, satisfying snack it was meant to be.