9. Soy Protein products
“Soy protein isolate is often added to snack bars and other products to boost the amount of protein, so the nutritional stats look healthier,” explains Sylvia North, a registered dietitian and integrative nutritionist in New Zealand. Nevertheless, high-protein doesn’t always equal healthy.
A soy protein product is a dehydrated, refined product that’s actually highly processed and has very little nutritional value. And yes, this isn’t the same soy protein found in foods like tofu and tempeh, which is a more natural, less processed form.
What to eat instead: “If you’re looking to up your protein intake, look for real food sources that are naturally high in protein and healthy fats, such as a boiled egg or small handful of nuts,” North suggests.
