Let me just prepare you out the gate. After reading this, you're probably gonna have a couple of moments of "Daaaaang. So exactly what can I eat?!" The thing is, if you're being even remotely intentional about the kinds of foods that you put into your mouth (and ultimately your system), you're already winning in a lot of ways. And, as far as "unhealthy" goes, if you try your best to avoid things that have a long list of ingredients on the packaging, you're already winning a lot of the battle.
As for the 10 items that I'm about to break down, the main thing to keep in mind is moderation is key. A lot of times, the mistake that we make is if we think something is healthy, we'll eat a ton of it, all day, every day. It's that lack of balance is what can throw things, well, off.
Bottom line, nobody is out here saying that you can't have these types of foods every once in a while (well, at least I'm not). But before you stock up your fridge and pantry with nothing but these items, check out why you should probably rethink that.
1.Fruit Juice
Yes, fruit juice contains Vitamin C and that's a vitamin that is loaded with antioxidants. That's the good news. On the other hand, there is plenty of research to support the fact that, for the most part, there's not much difference between fruit juice and your favorite kind of soda.
All you have to do is read the label of a soda can and then juice container and you'll notice that there may be a 10-15 grams difference of sugar between them (most have around 30 grams of sugar; your body only needs 10 grams per day). Plus, what goes into the process of making juice isn't the best for the environment either. 12 oranges alone make up one cup of OJ. That's a lot of pesticides, irrigation and fuel used to truck juice into your local grocery store. Just something to think about.
If you're wondering what some of the worst so-called healthy commercial juices are, Welch's 100% Grape Juice with Fiber, Simply Orange High Pulp, R.W. Knudsen Just Pomegranate, Ocean Spray 100% Juice No Sugar Added Cranberry and probiotic juices (unfortunately) top the list.
The moral to the story is you'd be better off juicing yourself, making some infused water or at least slicing your juice intake in half by mixing it with half a glass of mineral, sparkling or seltzer water.
2.Soy Products
As a doula, I'm constantly telling new moms that if they do decide to use formula, they need to avoid the kind that contains soy at all costs (especially if they have a son). Why? Soy contains phytoestrogen, which is basically a plant-derived form of the female hormone estrogen.
While soy does contain a decent amount of vitamins C and K, folate, iron, magnesium and potassium, it also tops the list of foods that create "man boobs". Plus, it's one of the most genetically-modified foods around. Another "ugh" thing about soy is studies reveal that it has the tendency to produce more bodily inflammation than cow's milk. Inflammation is never good.
3.Granola Bars
Last year, General Mills removed "100 percent natural" from the popular granola bars. Why, do you ask? Apparently their bars contained glyphosate. What the heck is that? It's a weed killer that has been linked to cancer. As if that's not enough of a reason to rethink eating granola bars (or to at least research the ingredients that are on the label before buying them), they also contain quite a bit of oil and sugar.
Does that mean you can never snack on granola again? No. Just go with making some instead of buying it. That way, you can control how much "extra" goes into it. (A pretty healthy granola bar recipe is found here.)
4.Flavored Yogurt
What could possibly be wrong with yogurt? When it's plain and Greek, not much. Problem is, most of us reach for the kind that is full of sugar and artificial coloring. In fact, many doctors say that not only is flavored yogurt pretty fattening, it also doesn't contain enough protein or fiber to be beneficial.
Before you pick up some Greek yogurt, what are some of the worst brands on the market? Activia Greek Vanilla, Yoplait Greek 100 and Dannon Light & Fit Greek Nonfat Vanilla. Some of the best? Fage Total 2% Greek Yogurt, Stonyfield Organic Greek Whole Milk Plain and Dannon Oikos Greek Nonfat Yogurt Plain. You can click here to read why.
Oh, and if you hate the taste of plain yogurt, remember that you can always add some fresh fruit and/or organic honey to make it more palatable. It's a lot healthier to do it this way than to trust what's on your grocery store's shelves.
5.Whole Wheat Bread
If after you eat pasta or cereal, you notice that you feel nauseated or have a headache, it could be because you've got a wheat allergy that you didn't know about. You can find out for sure by making an appointment with a local allergist. However, that's not the reason why wheat bread makes this list.
The biggest problem with this kind of bread is one, that it's bread. Bread is a high-carb kind of food that is able to raise your blood sugar levels. Bread also contains lectins and phytates; those are toxins that are found in grains. Another problem with a lot of grocery store brands of bread is they're loaded with high fructose corn syrup (which is basically the devil). And, as far as the wheat part goes, most whole wheat bread actually isn't made from whole wheat. Since the grain is ground so finely that, by the time it's ready to eat, it's not much better than (gasp!) white bread. Hmph.
6.Agave Nectar
Some people are hyped about agave nectar because it's a natural sweetener. Problem is, although it registers low on the glycemic index due to its amount of fructose (a hexose sugar that's found in honey and fruit), believe it or not, it contains a greater amount of fructose than high fructose corn syrup. Consuming too much fructose can ultimately lead to type 2 diabetes, heart disease and fatty liver disease too.
Organic honey or even blackstrap molasses is a way better bet. Leave the white sugar and agave nectar alone.
7.Veggie Chips
If lately, you've been snacking on veggie chips because you thought they were a better alternative to standard potato chips, I hate to rain on your parade but that's not really the truth. Sure, veggie chips contain vegetables but most of them are so highly-processed with sugar, salt, oil, artificial colors and preservatives that you might as well have a few Lay's if that's what you really desire.
What's the true healthy alternative? Baking your own veggies at home. DIY kale, sweet potatoes and zucchini chips are all really easy to make and pretty delicious too. Plus, you know how healthy they are (or not) because you made them yourself. (Click here for some great recipes.)
8.Meat Substitutes
Aside from the fact that a lot of meat substitutes contain a lot of soy (and we've already covered what's wrong with that), most of them also contain quite a bit of gluten. The problem with gluten is that it's a gooey kind of protein that can put you at risk of being diagnosed with celiac disease. It's a condition where your small intestine is damaged due to the consumption of gluten. Some other challenges with gluten is it can cause bloating, constipation, fatigue, psoriasis and iron-deficiency anemia too.
So, before you reach out for some vegan bacon or a Morning Star griller, check out the labels to see how much soy and/or gluten they contain. The answer just may surprise you.
9.Store-Bought Smoothies
Smoothies are a quick and convenient way to "drink your fruits and veggies". The challenge that comes with a lot of them is one, we tend to consume 20-24 ounces per sitting (that's a lot) and two, if we buy them at a store, the amount of sugar and carbs can be literally off the charts!
Something else that a lot of people don't know is although a lot of the fruit in smoothies contains fiber, because it's close to liquified, having one smoothie typically makes you hungrier in a shorter period of time than if you ate a whole piece of fruit.
Long story short, if you're looking to lose weight, a smoothie a day will not automatically or necessarily keep the sugar content or fat cells at bay. (Yeah, this is another kind of food that you'd be better off making at home.)
10.Gluten-Free Foods
OK, so we already touched on where too much gluten will get you. Now check out what having none has the potential to do. Aside from going vegan, probably the most popular health trend is eating gluten-free. However, CNN recently published an article that this trend isn't the best idea for everybody. And with good reason.
While one study revealed that going gluten-free can actually be bad for your heart over time, other data supports that a lot of foods that don't contain gluten are loaded with fillers that are no more than junk. Also, your diet needs to be comprised of about 50 percent carbohydrates, which is what gluten contains. So, when it comes to this final unhealthy healthy food, it's much smarter to eat healthy than to decide to kick carbs altogether. Feel me?
Yeah, this was a lot. But now that you have the knowledge that you do, hopefully you'll rethink buying something just because it's packaged—which means marketed—as being healthy. Eat wisely, y'all.
Want more stories like this? Check out these xoNecole related reads:
9 Healthy Breakfast Dishes For Women On-The-Go
10 Foods You Should Eliminate From Your Diet If You're Trying To Lose Weight
Featured image by Getty Images
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It's kinda wild that, in 2025, my byline will have appeared on this platform for (what?!) seven years. And yeah, when I'm not waxing poetic on here about sex, relationships and then...more sex and relationships, I am working as a certified marriage life coach, helping to birth babies (as a doula) or penning for other places (oftentimes under pen names).
As some of you know, something that I've been "threatening" to do for a few years now is write another book. Welp, October 2024 was the month that I "gave birth" to my third one: 'Inside of Me 2.0: My Story. With a 20-Year Lens'. It's fitting considering I hit a milestone during the same year.
Beyond that, Pumas and lip gloss are still my faves along with sweatshirts and tees that have a pro-Black message on them. I've also started really getting into big ass unique handbags and I'm always gonna have a signature scent that ain't nobody's business but my own.
As far as where to find me, I continue to be MIA on the social media front and I honestly don't know if that will ever change. Still, if you need to hit me up about something *that has nothing to do with pitching on the site (I'm gonna start ignoring those emails because...boundaries)*, hit me up at missnosipho@gmail.com. I'll do what I can. ;)
The Mecca Of Fashion: The Top Street Style Moments At Howard Homecoming
Outfits were planned, bags were packed, and cameras were ready to capture Howard University's collegiate spirit during its centennial Homecoming celebration. Not only does it hold the number one ranking as the most elite Historically Black College and University or its top performing academics, diversity of students and alumni, but the HBCU also leaves a legacy of style and grace.
The essence of effortless poise and refinement shines bright through the iconic university colors of indigo blue, red, and white. Every October, Howard University students, alumni, staff, and friends gather on the prestigious campus in Washington, D.C. to take part in time-honored traditions and events, which is Homecoming. This year's theme, “The Meccaverse,” was a week-long celebration of Howard University’s heritage, including the Homecoming football game and Bison Pep Rally, the Fashion Show, Greek Life Step Show, Homecoming Day of Service, Lavender Reception, and the iconic Yard Fest Concert.
As 2024 marked the 100th anniversary of the Howard Bison trek back to The Mecca and after two years of virtual events due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this was to be a celebration of a lifetime. We enlisted HU alumnus Sharmaine Harris, a luxury retail buyer, as she revisited her alma mater as eyes on the yard for fashion-forward outfits mixed with personal style and campus pride for the weeklong celebration.
Before we get to the looks, discover how attending Howard University impacted her career in fashion and her day-to-day style:
Credit: Sharmaine and Friends
xoNecole: Describe your personal style. Did attending Howard have any impact on developing it?
Sharmaine: Howard taught me that there’s no such thing as being TOO dressed. There’s always a reason to “put it on” and look presentable, even if it’s just for a day of classes. Standing out was celebrated and encouraged with my peers embracing the opportunity, giving me the confidence to try new styles and trends.
xoNecole: How did Howard shape your career as a luxury buyer?
Sharmaine: I studied Fashion Merchandising, through which I was fortunate to have professors who were very connected to the industry and able to give first-hand accounts of opportunities and what to expect post-college. I was also able to build a network through my peers and other Howard Alum, which has opened doors to endless possibilities both within fashion as well as daily life.
The same confidence instilled in me through my style has also been rooted deeply within me as I step into any role or project I’m faced with throughout my career.
xoNecole: This year marked Howard’s 100th-anniversary Homecoming celebration. Can you describe what the weekend looked and felt like?
Sharmaine: I’ve gone to many Howard Homecomings since graduating, but this year’s 100th anniversary felt like a huge family reunion filled with nothing but love. It was beautiful to see so many Bison return home looking great and radiating joy. It was beautiful!
xoNecole: What makes Howard fashion different from other HBCUs?
Sharmaine: Being that Howard is The Mecca, we have such a diverse population with each individual having their own spin on fashion. Getting dressed is second nature for us, but the layered confidence is our secret ingredient to make any look come together. Through that comfortability to push barriers, we have a legacy of setting trends, as indicated by the many alumni we have in the fashion and entertainment industry.
Keep scrolling for the top street style moments from The Mecca's Homecoming weekend:
Credit: Lacey Gallagher
Credit: Alan Henderson
Credit: JaLynn Davis
Credit: Dylan Davis
Credit: Caleb Smith
Credit: Kendall W.
Credit: Jordyn Finney
Credit: Vanessa Nneoma
Credit: Dr. Mariah Sankey-Thomas
Credit: Caleb MacBruce
Credit: Tiffany Battle
Credit: Teniola
Credit: Ilahi Creary
Credit: Nicolas Ryan Grant
Credit: Dylan Davis
Join us in celebrating HBCU excellence! Check out our Best In Class hub for inspiring stories, empowering resources, and everything you need to embrace the HBCU experience.
Featured image courtesy of Sharmaine Harris
They're Engaged! Meagan Good & Jonathan Majors' Romantic Journey From First Sight To Forever
Meagan Good and Jonathan Majors are engaged!
The couple’s relationship has been nothing short of a whirlwind that started shortly after a significant turning point in both their lives. Following her public split from DeVon Franklin in June 2022, Meagan was navigating the single life after a decade-long marriage that was heavily influenced by a shared faith. She expressed that the divorce was incredibly challenging, and it took time for her to process and heal from the experience.
During a Club Shay Shay interview, the actress shared, “My divorce shook me to my core. Lord, you asked me to be celibate, and I was; you told me to marry, and I married that person. I tried to do everything to the best of my ability, and no, I didn’t do everything perfect, but I don’t know if I could do anything differently if I’m being honest.”
Haunted by the fear that her husband would abandon her after 10 years of marriage, mirroring her father's leaving her mother, she was profoundly shaken when it became a reality. As Good describes, it required a significant journey of prayer, introspection, and education to guide her toward a place of healing, wholeness, and happiness. “It was a lot of rediscovering God and realizing that sometimes the way that we see and understand things is not that it’s not true, but we come into different seasons.”
Little did she know, her new season would include Lovecraft Country star, Jonathan Majors. The pair built their relationship on friendship. “We met at an event and it was just instant chemistry,” she told PEOPLE. Good continued, "I wasn't really in that mind frame. Then we re-met again about four months later, and I was like, 'Oh f---, this is going to happen.' And it did."
Now that our good sis is leaning into this new chapter and her new forever, let’s take a look at Meagan and Jonathan’s relationship history.
June 2022: Meagan Good and DeVon Franklin Finalize Divorce
Meagan ends her 9-year marriage to producer and preacher DeVon Franklin. The split is a major transition for Good, who had been in a relationship rooted deeply in shared faith and public life. She takes time to focus on healing and rediscovering herself after a highly publicized marriage.
March 2023: Jonathan Majors Faces Legal Troubles
Jonathan Majors is arrested in New York on domestic violence charges after an altercation with his then-girlfriend. The incident generated widespread media attention, putting Majors' personal life under public scrutiny. As his legal situation unfolds, Majors remains mostly silent about his dating life.
April 2023: Rumors of a New Romance Begin
Speculation about Jonathan’s' romantic life resurfaces in April 2023 when sources hint at a budding relationship between him and Meagan Good. The news was surprising to many given his ongoing legal issues and Meagan’s recent divorce. They were reportedly spotted at several private gatherings together, though neither confirms the relationship publicly at this stage.
In an interview with PEOPLE, Meagan said, “Someone saw us somewhere going to a movie and then kind of reported it, and it was like, 'Should we shut it down or not?' And I was like, 'No, because people have a perception of you that's not true. A perception of who you date that's not true.' So if this is what it is then at some point they're going to find out.'”
May 2023: First Public Outing
The couple was seen together for the first time publicly in Los Angeles. They were photographed holding hands, which quickly sparked dating rumors. Their appearance together came as a surprise given the backdrop of Majors' legal battle. Friends of Good reportedly expressed concern but also indicated support for her choices during this period.
Leon Bennett/Getty Images
June 2023: Confirmed Relationship
Multiple media outlets confirm that Meagan Good and Jonathan Majors are indeed dating. Sources close to the couple reveal that they started seeing each other earlier in 2023 and that their relationship grew quickly.
In New York City, Majors attended a hearing at the Manhattan Criminal Court, accompanied by Good. Photographers captured the couple holding hands as they entered and exited the courtroom.
September 2023: Majors Refers to Good as "The Missus"
For the first time, the couple publicly acknowledged their relationship during the Congressional Black Caucus' eighth annual Black and White Gala, co-hosted by Good and Larenz Tate, held in Washington D.C.
In a speech, the Eve’s Bayou star said, “We’re just so happy to be here with y’all tonight, celebrating us, celebrating the moves we’re making, celebrating the way we love and support each other, the way that we shift the world. Let’s enjoy ourselves!”
“So many beautiful Black faces. I love us, y’all! We are so beautiful! That’s all I got. I’m just happy to be here and I love y’all!” After delivering her speech, she handed the podium over to Majors. “Babe, you want to say anything?”
Majors then said, “Y’all heard the missus, so that’s what it is.”
November 2023: Solidifying the Relationship
On November 29, 2023, as Major's trial commenced, Good demonstrated her unwavering support by accompanying him to the courtroom, where they entered hand in hand. Throughout the trial, she continued to make appearances, steadfastly standing in solidarity with the actor, conveying a message of unity and unwavering commitment.
According to a source close to the couple, Jonathan's challenging experience has strengthened their bond. Meagan's unwavering courage and resilience have been a constant source of support for him, solidifying their relationship further. In the front row of the courthouse, the actress took a reserved seat behind him. As they entered and exited the courtroom, she repeatedly placed her hand on his back. Additionally, Good's mother joined them as the trial commenced.
February 2024: Cohabitation
According to a reliable source via PEOPLE, Good and Majors' bond remains strong and filled with love. Their relationship deepened, as they moved into the charming Greenwich Village neighborhood of New York City together. The couple shares a 3-month-old Belgian Malinois puppy, adding to their shared happiness. In addition, the source revealed that Majors and Good embarked on a memorable cross-country road trip from Los Angeles to New York City, making a heartwarming stop in Texas to visit Major's mother. This journey further solidified their connection and highlighted their unwavering commitment to each other.
Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images
March 2024: Red Carpet Official
At the 7th Annual African-American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) Special Achievement Awards Luncheon in Los Angeles, the couple made their first joint appearance on the red carpet, where they shared a brief update on their relationship with Extra. When asked about how they were doing, Majors responded, "In love... We're doing good, thanks for asking." Good added to the response, "We're doing great. God's good."
Summer 2024: A Different Love
At the 2024 BET Awards, the icon shared with Entertainment Tonight, “This love is different because I don’t have any fear anymore. I feel complete freedom and that’s a wonderful place to be.”In their relationship, even Jonathan actively encouraged her not to be with him, intending to protect her. However, she was confident in her ability to handle the complexities of their relationship. While speaking with People she said, “ ‘My love, first of all, you’re dealing with a Black Leo,’ ” she continued, “I grew up in this industry. The things that I’ve been through gave me the bandwidth to love other people, regardless. So when we got together it was like, this is going to be a lot, but you got the right one.”
Emma McIntyre/WireImage
November 2024: He Put A Ring On It
At the EBONY Power 100 Gala in Los Angeles, Majors and Good happily announced their engagement while speaking to PEOPLE. "We're thrilled," the actress exclaimed, displaying her stunning diamond ring. Majors beamed, "It's a time of pure joy."
We're all on the edge of our seats, waiting to see what happens next in this couple's story.
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Featured image by Emma McIntyre/WireImage