10 "Healthy Habits" That Are Actually Harmful

The desire to lead a healthy life is admirable! We strive to eat balanced meals, exercise, drink more water, and take care of ourselves.

The desire to lead a healthy life is admirable! We strive to eat balanced meals, exercise, drink more water, and take care of ourselves. But what if some of the popular principles of a healthy lifestyle are actually not as beneficial as we think? In fact, some of them can cause health problems.

Let’s look at 10 myths about a healthy lifestyle that might do more harm than good.

Oatmeal for Breakfast: Always the Best Option

Since childhood, we’ve been taught that oatmeal is the perfect breakfast. But there’s a downside: it contains phytic acid, which inhibits calcium absorption. This is particularly important for women during menopause when the risk of osteoporosis increases.
How to Do It Right: If you like oatmeal, eat it 2-3 times a week, but not every day. And pair it with calcium-rich foods.

Completely Eliminating Sugar

Yes, excess sugar is harmful to the skin, figure, and blood vessel health. But that doesn’t mean you have to give up sweets entirely. Our brain needs glucose too!
How to Do It Right: Allow yourself some sweets, especially when you crave them. Those who care about their figure can opt for healthy desserts made with natural sweeteners.

"Fat Burners" Work Wonders

Grapefruits, pineapples, and seaweed are often labeled as "fat burners." But no product works magic. Moreover, consuming too many citrus fruits can cause gastritis.
How to Do It Right: These foods are beneficial, but it’s important not to overdo them, especially if you have a sensitive stomach.

Low-Fat Products = Healthy Eating

We think that low-fat yogurts, milk, and cheese are healthier. But few people know that these products often contain sugar, thickeners, and flavors to make up for the lack of taste.
How to Do It Right: Choose products with a normal fat content (1.5-3%) and read the ingredients.

"Fruit Yogurts" from the Supermarket Are a Healthy Snack

Fruit is healthy. Yogurt is too. But ready-made "fruit yogurts" often contain a lot of sugar, flavors, and colorants. They don’t fill you up, and after an hour, you’re hungry again.
How to Do It Right: Choose natural yogurt and add fresh berries, nuts, seeds, or honey.

Smoothies for Breakfast Are Great

Smoothies are delicious and healthy, but not on an empty stomach. Fruits and vegetables in this form can irritate the stomach lining and cause gastritis.
How to Do It Right: If you love smoothies, have them as a snack or add protein (yogurt, nuts, seeds) to make your breakfast more balanced.

Carbohydrates Are Bad

To lose weight, many people cut out carbohydrates. But they are our main source of energy! A lack of them can lead to fatigue, exhaustion, and digestive issues.
How to Do It Right: Instead of cutting out carbs, choose complex carbohydrates like whole grains, legumes, vegetables, and fruits.

Plant-Based Milk Is Healthier Than Regular Milk

Almond, coconut, or oat milk are trendy. But if you don’t have lactose intolerance, it’s not the best idea to eliminate regular milk entirely. It contains calcium, healthy fats, and proteins that might be missing in plant-based alternatives.
How to Do It Right: Don’t eliminate regular milk without reason, and if you drink plant-based milk, choose one without added sugar.

"Non-GMO," "No Preservatives" = Healthy Food

Marketing works: we see a "Non-GMO," "No preservatives" label and buy immediately. But this doesn’t guarantee the product is healthy.
How to Do It Right: Read the ingredients. It’s important not to rely solely on labels, but to understand what’s in the product.

Eating Lots of Raw Vegetables = Many Benefits

Vegetables are an essential part of your diet, but too many can cause digestive problems such as bloating, constipation, and irritation.
How to Do It Right: Don’t just add raw vegetables—also include steamed or roasted ones, as they are better absorbed by the body.