There are a lot of foods that we love that get a bad wrap. Well it turns out that some of them aren't as bad as we once thought they were. See how many of these delicious and good for you foods that you can incorporate into your diet.
Avocado: It may surprise you but avocados are actually fruits; fruits that contain fat. They are actually one of the few produce items that do. Their heart protecting monounsaturated fats are actually one of the things that make them healthy. Eating these tasty green fruits can help lower your risk of heart disease and stroke.
Spaghetti and Meatballs: You get iron and protein from the beef, lycopene from the tomatoes and energy producing carbs from the pasta, this dish is an energy producing trifecta. If you make sure that you are using lean beef and are sticking to modest sized portions you can definitely enjoy it's benefits without overdoing it. Limit yourself to 3 ounces of meat and 1 cup of cooked pasta. You can also increase the benefits by using whole wheat pasta and adding mushrooms to the meatballs to add fiber and cut fat. Eat this alongside a big green salad with lots of veggies.
Bananas: These used to be bashed for their high sugar and carb content but bananas are incredibly healthy fruits. A small banana has the same calories, carbs and fiber as an apple. They are packed with vitamins C and B6 and good for your heart potassium.
Peanut Butter: It definitely contains fat but 30 percent of your daily calories should come from healthy fats and peanut butter is a great choice for that. It is also a great way to get protein, fiber and vitamin E. The same goes for whole peanuts or other nuts such as almonds or walnuts.
Coffee: It may add a little pep to your step but it is also full of antioxidants. Research has linked drinking this brewed beverage to a decreased risk of type-2 diabetes and improved mental health as you age.
Corn: Many people frown on this veggie because it is starchy. Well it may be starchy but it is actually a grain. One cup of corn kernels has 5 grams of protein, 4 grams of fiber and energy producing B vitamins. You can also eat corn in a variety of ways--polenta, tortillas and popcorn are all healthy whole-grain options.
Burritos: Burritos can be a healthy choice when they are filled with veggies, rice, beans and a small amount of meat. These burritos can cover all of your nutrition bases in one tortilla. Choose an 8 inch whole-wheat tortilla and stay away from the sour cream and loads of cheese to keep the calories and fat in check. Try adding things like white beans, avocados and chicken to mix things up a bit.
Chicken Thighs: Dark meat chicken has a bad rap for being fatty and artery clogging but it is actually the skin you should be avoiding. Dark meat, like avocados, is high in monounsaturated fat. Thighs are also more affordable than boneless skinless chicken breasts.
Eggs: Eggs do contain some cholesterol, but that doesn't mean they are a total no-no for you. 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 vitamin A, D and the antioxidant lutein. Don't skip the yolks, there is just as much protein in there as the whites.
Potatoes: They are another veggie that has been shunned for it's starch content but 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.
Source: foodnetwork.com
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