There are certain “treats” that we all assume to be healthy alternatives to our regular Whopper or large Blizzard and we feel we can enjoy them relatively guilt-free when we’re dieting or just watching our weight as we head into the holiday feeding frenzy. But you may be surprised to find out that at least five of these “healthy” choices are not really very healthy or low-fat at all. Here are five health food fakes that were exposed for the fatties they truly are.

Veggie Chips. These are actually pretty good and one might think that they are a great alternative to regular potato chips. One would be wrong. The name “veggie” alludes to healthy, but a single serving has 150 calories and 9 grams of fat because it’s still fried. A better choice is to have a baked chip that weighs in at 110 calories and 1.5 grams of fat.

Frozen Yogurt. Oh yes, it’s true. This is not the low fat, healthier version of ice cream. In fact, a ½ cup serving (now, who has only ½ cup?) of plain old vanilla (now, who has plain old vanilla with no added toppings?) has 200 calories and 4.5 grams of fat. While frozen yogurt may be lower in fat and calories than some ice creams, try instead a light ice cream that has 100 calories and 3.5 grams of fat. Pretty much any way you cut it, a frozen treat is going to cost you.

So while we’re on this sad subject, let talk smoothies. A 16 oz regular smoothie from just about any retailer has upwards of 490 calories and 10 grams of fat. To add flavor and texture, smoothies are most often packed with whole milk and added sugar. No good! If your smoothie isn’t made of 100% fruit, it’s really just a milkshake. A much better option is a light version of your favorite smoothie made with fat free milk and no whipped cream. These add up to a much lower 150 calories and 0.5 grams of fat.

Stir-fry. The oil used in many stir-fries (4 tbsp) can add up to 477 calories and 54 grams of fat alone. And then we choose porous veggies that soak up all that oil, like eggplant and mushrooms. The truth about stir-fry is that a 2 cup serving of chicken, eggplant and mushroom can have as much as 800 calories and 60 grams of fat. To make a healthier version, use non-fat cooking spray and 1 tbsp oil. Add “hard” veggies like broccoli and carrots.

The real kicker – bran muffins. While these are touted as being the be-all-end-all to health foods, the one you grab from a popular chain is packing on 430 calories and 18 grams of fat. The average bran muffin is full of calories from sugar. Even a frosted donut is lower in calories and fat. Try a whole grain English muffin with jam for 145 calories and 1.5 grams of fat.

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