We've been told for years that some foods are more healthy than others through advertising medias and even word of mouth. But, studies show a different portrait of those so-called bad boys of fat and carbs.

The biggest hurdle to weight-loss efforts isn't the obvious calorie bomb products you’ll find in supermarkets and restaurants (although you do need to be aware of those too), but rather, the deluge of incipit and lackluster packaged and prepared foods masquerading as healthy dinners and snacks.

It may not be all our fault. The food industry spends $30 billion a year to peddle their unhealthy wares to America, so it's no wonder we've confused some of the most calorie-riddled, fat-laden foods in America for nutritious food. Some of the so-called healthy foods we are encouraged to eat are anything but.

Read on to discover a new, healthier way to stay healthy!

Bran muffins are comprised of two things your body doesn't need in the morning: sugar and refined flour. Both spike your blood sugar, which signals your body to start storing fat and sets you up for a mid-morning crash. Ever get a headache after eating a plate full of pancakes for breakfast? Many people get them when they eat foods with high sugar content in the morning. And with only trace amounts of fiber, there's nothing healthy about eating a muffin.

You may not believe this, but the breakfast sandwich is a great way to start your day. Besides having fewer calories, fat, and carbs, it also offers about 20 grams of protein, which our bodies need in the morning to jumpstart our metabolism.

Many fruit smoothies contain added sugars and high-fructose corn syrup. A 100 percent fruit smoothie made with plain yogurt instead of ice cream or sherbet will contain nearly half the calories and significantly less sugar, plus it will provide all of the vitamin and antioxidant capacity that a smoothie is supposed to have.

Which would you choose as a healthy meal for lunch or dinner? The Chicken Caesar salad, or the Chicken Sandwich?

900 calories

60 g fat

A Caesar side salad before a meal has approximately 500 calories.

Caesar salads suffer a flood of fatty dressing and what could amount to a storm of Parmesan cheese and croutons.. A simple grilled chicken breast set atop mixed greens with a balsamic vinaigrette is a much better choice.

Roast beef or ham sandwich

500 calories

15 g fat

Plain tuna out of the can is healthy but tuna mixed in mayo, covered in melted cheese, and slathered with another layer of dressing is not. Both ham and roast beef are packed with protein, satisfying and lean. You can save 400 calories and 35 grams of fat and eat the same sized sandwich

Sounds so healthy but this is definitely not health food. The wrap itself (a huge tortilla shell ready for even more dressing and cheese you can add yourself, is also filled with modified starch and fat) is full of fast-burning carbs with up to 400 calories. It’s packed with a lot more cheese and meat than a typical sandwich.

A grilled chicken sandwich on a bun offers a balance of fat, carbs, and protein, plus having a bun provides portion control over a huge tortilla despite what you would think. Exchange mayo in favor of barbecue sauce or salsa, the ultimate fat-free, low-cal condiment.

Sirloin is one of the leanest cuts of meat available, which makes for a satisfying, protein-enriched meal that will keep you feeling fuller, longer. And as Paul Newman once said, “Why would I eat burgers when I have steak at home?”