10 Foods That Are Healthier Than You Think
1.Avocado
Eating these green guys can help lower your risk of heart disease and stroke — so go ahead and have some of that guacamole, or try this creamy hummus as an alternative.
2.Spaghetti and Meatballs
Thanks to the iron and protein from the beef, lycopene from the tomato sauce and energy-producing carbs from the pasta, this dish is a healthy trifecta. If you stick to modest portions and lean beef, you can enjoy its benefits without overdoing it. Limit yourself to three ounces of meat and a cup of cooked pasta per serving. Pump up the health benefits by using whole-wheat pasta and adding mushrooms to the meatballs to add fiber and cut fat.
3.Bananas
Often bashed for their high sugar and carb content, bananas are a ridiculously healthy fruit that everyone can enjoy. A small banana has the same calories, carbs and fiber as an apple.
4.Peanut Butter
Peanut butter may indeed contain fat, but 30 percent of your daily calories should come from healthy fats, for which peanut butter is a great choice. The nutty spread is also a good way to get protein, fiber and vitamin E.
5.Coffee
Along with adding a little pep to your step, coffee is teeming with antioxidants. Research has linked drinking the brewed beverage to a decreased risk of type-2 diabetes and improved mental health as you age.
6.Corn
Some folks frown on corn because it's a starchy vegetable. Well, it is starchy — because it's actually a grain! One cup of corn kernels has 5 grams of protein, 4 grams of fiber.
7. Burritos
Burritos can be a healthy choice: When filled with vegetables, rice, beans and small portions of meat, these Tex-Mex treats can cover all your nutrition bases in one tortilla. Opt for 8-inch whole-wheat tortillas and lay off the sour cream and loads of cheese to keep the calories and fat in check. White beans, fresh avocado and shredded chicken fill these burritos from Ellie Krieger.
8.Chicken Thighs
Dark meat chicken has a bad rep for being fatty and artery-clogging, but it's actually the skin you should be avoiding. Dark meat, like avocados, is high in healthy monounsaturated fats. Thighs are also more affordable than skinless chicken breasts, so they're an all-around smart addition to your weeknight dinner routine.
9.Eggs
Eggs do contain some cholesterol, but that doesn't mean they're a total no-no. According to the American Egg Board, healthy individuals can eat up to two eggs per day without significantly affecting blood cholesterol levels. Eggs are also full of vitamins A, D and the antioxidant lutein. Don't skip the yolks; there's just as much protein there as in the whites.
10.Potatoes
Yet another veggie shunned for its starch content, potatoes are a nutrition powerhouse! A medium potato has 165 calories, 5 grams of fiber, 4 grams of protein, 10 percent of your daily iron and 70 percent of your daily vitamin C needs.
