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Let's face it, as much as you may think vegetarians eat healthy, there can be some rotten apples when it comes to their eating habits that are not good for the body. By rotten apples, we mean processed foods which have a high number of calories. However, the problem is not always in the calories, in fact, some low calorie vegetarian products may also be an unhealthy treat for the body. The only way vegetarian products should be consumed is when they consist of homemade fresh ingredients without any processing. To help you consume nothing but 100% healthy vegetarian products, we are listing the unhealthy vegetarian products and processed foods you should avoid at all cost.

1. Vegetarian Products Processed With Soy

Soy is commonly used in vegetarian products in order to replicate the texture and appearance of meat. However, the textured soy that is used is quite unhealthy. As one of the many genetically modified products (GMOs), soy can be a tough substance to digest for many vegetarians. Therefore, you should keep in mind that foods processed with soy can be genetically modified and according to studies, about 94% of them actually are.

2. Processed Veggie Burgers

If you are relatively new to vegetarianism or want to try delicious, veggie meat patties between two buns, make sure to use a homemade recipe with mushrooms, grains and beans rather than buying processed veggie burgers. The truth is, most of the store-bought veggie burgers often contain chemicals, additives, preservatives and GMOs in them.

3. Canola Or Soy Butter Substitutes

There are tons of butter substitutes that contain soybean oil. These are great tasting vegan options, but the reality is that just like soy and veggie burgers, they can be genetically modified. Since canola oils come from rapeseed plants, they are quite inexpensive to harvest and can be manipulated when in production. There have been cases of false advertising with many of these types of products. Just because it says organic and GMO free doesn't mean it is, unfortunately.

4. Cheese

Yes, cheese is a favorite in most households and is a highly consumed food among vegetarians. Vegetarians quite often use cheese in the place of meat which causes them to use it even more than most meat eaters! Cheese is very unhealthy and unfit for the digestive system It clogs up the intestines and is one of the hardest foods to break down and digest. There are many reasons why cheese may be worse for your body than meat itself! If you're loading up on cheese in place of meat, you may want to consider a change in your diet, it could save you from serious health conditions later on.

5. Chips And Junk Food

These junk foods should be a no-no to not only vegetarians, but every person who cares about their health. The marketing game is strong with chips and similar products, being labeled as 'vegetarian-friendly' just to make them sound better. Unfortunately, chips and other junk foods contain unhealthy fats, are high in calories and play a crucial role in the epidemic of obesity. Since they have little fiber, they are a non-filling food, and are far beyond your daily need for fat and calories.

We hope this mini guide of ours helped you avoid the worst labeled vegetarian products!

Getting set for a workout? Well, you need energy to take you through the whole exercise. This cannot be achieved any better than through a good nutrition before getting into the gym. Some whole grain, vegetables and a good source of protein can be a good start.

Whole Wheat Toast with Sliced Banana and Cinnamon

When it comes to gearing up for workout, carbs are your gym BFF. The key is to have a mixed bag of complex and simple ones so that the release of energy during your workout is slow and steady throughout your routine. Whole-wheat toast with fruit gives you both types of carbs with the bonus of being super easy to digest. Complex carbs will keep your motor humming, while the fruit adds an extra kick of energy.

Grilled Chicken and Mixed Vegetables

Your body is in recovery mode, so you need a nutrient dense dish. The lean protein and carbohydrates in chicken will fill you up without feeling overly bloated. Add some veggies in olive oil to keep your ticker in tip top shape.

Veggie Omelet with Avocado

You already know eggs are a great source of protein and help aid in muscle recovery and growth. Switch it up from the usual scramble and make a veggie-packed omelet. Garnish with a few slices of avocado for fiber and monosaturated fats (the good kind!). Similar to olive oil, avocados can help your body better absorb fat soluble nutrients that your veggies have like vitamins A, D, E and K. These vitamins are stocked with antioxidants, the best boost for your body, inside and out.

Sourced from: http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/recipes/healthy-eating/nutrition/best-workout-foods/?page=4

Drinks are fundamental for your body, and when it comes to exercise, they are an important necessity that you cannot afford to do without. These not only hydrate your body and save you from dehydration out of sweating and all that, they can also be essential for additional energy during your work out.

As much as 60% of your body is made up of water and when you work out, you can lose quite a bit.

The American College of Sports Medicine notes that drinking water helps functioning of the joints and body tissues, the regulation of body temperature, and the transportation of nutrients.

“If you’re an average person, then water after a workout is just fine,” says Clark. But if your workout is more intense and you spend more than three hours at a time doing it, then Clark recommends chocolate milk. "It’s got sodium and calcium, which we lose when we sweat. It’s also got carbs to refuel and give energy, and the protein also helps to repair any damage.”

If milk or water isn’t your thing, sports drinks, coconut water, or other beverages are fine. Don't worry too much about electrolytes; Clark says food can provide those lost in sweat.

Sourced From: http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20610016,00.html

You need food for some energy during your workout, right? Give it a second thought, because not every type of food will do. There are some foods you should stay away from when heading for a workout. Some of these foods can adversely slow you down during exercise or distract you completely.

Flaxseeds

While they are great for your body (and weight loss), flaxseeds are full of fiber, which could impede your workout efforts by causing gas and/or bloating, says Stella Metsovas, a clinical nutritionist and diet expert in Los Angeles, Calif.

Hummus

Don't get us wrong, we love healthy hummus just as much as you do, but you may want to stay away from it right before a workout.

"Bean-based foods (such as hummus) are high in indigestible carbohydrates that may cause uncomfortable gas and bloating," says Mary Hartley, a registered dietitian in New York City.

High Sodium Foods (Roasted Nuts)

Even though nuts are a great snack (and can help with weight loss) most roasted nuts are also salted, and salty foods can disrupt the delicate fluid-balance required for optimal workouts, Metsovas says.

"I'd avoid [high sodium foods] at all costs. Using a little bit of salt in your meals is OK, but stay away from the following foods: beef jerky, salted and roasted nuts, lunch meats, and processed snack foods like chips (you shouldn't be consuming these foods anyway)."

Sourced From: http://www.shape.com/healthy-eating/diet-tips/20-foods-can-ruin-your-workout