Inchauspé first notes to keep an eye out for processed foods, and especially those that are classified as vegan (ahem, chocolatey sandwich cookies)—just because they don’t contain animal products, does not mean they’re necessarily good for you. “They can contain mountains of sugar. Sugar is vegan after all,” she explains.
In the accompanying infographic, Inchauspé shows the sharp increase in blood sugar that comes right after eating a vegan sweet, and the decline of energy that follows within the two hours after eating. Instead, it’s more useful to opt for foods that don’t cause such a harsh spike, and rather provide gradual energy throughout the day.