Ten Reasons Why You Should Not Buy Pop Tarts

You need something quick and easy to get your hectic day started so you grab some Pop-tarts from the cupboard, throw one in the toaster or even just eat it cold as you run out of the door to make it to work on time. Perfect, you think. And they’re small, so how bad can they be? Here’s why you need to kick the habit. 

1) One package of two pastries contains about 380 to 420 calories, which is almost a quarter of your daily calorific intake if you stick to about 2000 calories per day. The problem with these kinds of carbs is that they have a high glycaemic index, which means the sugar goes straight into your blood stream and gives you a boost for about half an hour, until you feel hungry again, maybe even a little shaky as your blood sugar dips back down again. If you ate something with a low glycaemic index, like oats or oat bars, you’d feel satisfied for longer. 

2) The refined white flour pastry crust contains almost no fiber. The American Dietetic Association (ADA) recommends you take in at least 20-35 grams of fiber per day for adults, while children should take their age and add 5grams per day (for example, a five-year-old should eat 10 grams per day). Fiber helps prevent constipation and can aid weight loss. 

3) Pop Tarts don’t fit into any of the five major food groups. The USDA put them into the category of ‘treats’, so it’s like starting off the day with a healthy portion of dessert. Except maybe dessert contains more nutrition. 

4) They consist mainly of carbohydrates and fat so anyone trying to lose weight or boost health should close the box right now. It’s just as quick to grab a nutrition bar or low-fat muffin. Mornings are the times when you want to fuel up your body with vitamins and nourishment, to build your stamina so you don’t burn out by mid-morning. Your body will thank you for it.