8 Common Mistakes When Pairing Food Together

Take a look at these everyday foods that are delicious but not good for your body if they are eaten together.

1. Fruit After a Meal

This one has to make you gasp. Unfortunately, the fruit you eat after your unhealthy meal does not make the situation healthy. Fruit is best eaten alone for digestive issues. Meat and fruit have different digestive enzymes and can cause gas and bloating when eaten together. Also, fruits contain simple sugars and when eaten with proteins the sugars tend to sit in the stomach longer and ferment.

Better Option: Eat a sorbet for a nice sweet finish to your appetite after a meal.

2. Cheese and Meat Omelet

Although this is tasty, it shouldn’t happen. This triple protein bomb will force your body into overdrive to digest it all.

Better Option: Make an all veggie omelet.

3. White Bread and Jam

This common couple can quickly lead to a spike in blood sugar. Diabetics beware when you spot these two together. White bread is high in carbohydrates, which triggers a sugar rise and the sugar count in jam increases the pace at which it will rise.

Better Option: Switch to whole grain bread and use an almond butter spread.

4. Tea & Milk

Since Prince Harry didn’t choose me, I have no hesitation telling Queen Elizabeth that she should switch the royal drink. Black tea and milk do not mix well together. Tea is known for its antioxidants that work on inflammation. However, when milk is added, the proteins block tea from doing its job.

Better Option: Add a lemon or honey to your tea, this will enhance the flavor and antioxidants in tea.

5. Whole Grains and Greens

This food couple is very common for many of us choosing a healthier lifestyle. However, these two should not be eaten at the exact same time. Greens should be eaten at least two hours before grains. This will allow your body to process the vitamins and nutrients in greens that will otherwise will be blocked by the fiber in grains if eaten together.

Better Option: Just separate the meals, and leave a nice time span between eating them.

6. Alcohol & Caffeine

Alcohol is a depressant and caffeine is a stimulant, therefore caffeine hides the depressant effects of alcohol. This leads to people commonly mistaking their tolerance level. Research has shown that people who mix caffeine and alcohol have a higher chance of getting into a car accident. Avoid mixing these two as much as possible.

Better Option: Take straight shots of alcohol (shrugs).

7. Burger, Fries, and Pop

We all know this combination is unhealthy, but allow me to tell you how extra unhealthy it is. Sugar shuts off the signal in your brain telling you that you are full, so your cravings for this trans fat and starch in a burger and fries will not end once you start. There are also studies that have shown the amount of sodium combined from all items in this meal can widen blood vessels and increase the risk of a heart attack.

Better Option: Skip the fries and soda. Try a burger, salad, and water for a meal.

8. Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup

The acidity level in tomato soup is high and that does not mix well with dairy. I’m sure most of you can relate to getting a tummy ache after eating this meal.

Better Option: Match your grilled cheese with a low sodium chicken soup. Watch the video below for delicious and convenient soups to choose from.

Featured Image by Andrew Zimmern