5 Foods That Are Healthier Than You Would Expect
We’ve all heard how vital it is to eat a well-balanced diet. Making healthy choices, however, might be a little more difficult than it appears.
5 Foods That Are Healthier Than You Would Expect
A key point to remember while overhauling your eating habits is to maintain a well-balanced diet. Developing a healthy pattern will have a far greater influence on your health and well-being than choosing a glass of water one day and milkshakes the next. Put away your preconceived opinions and examine the nutritional data for these five foods that are healthier than you would expect.
Bacon
Bacon is high in protein, nitrates, and thiamine, an energy-producing vitamin. Nitrates are actually advantageous to our heart health and immunological function because they react with stomach acid to generate nitric oxide, which supports excellent cardiovascular function.
Bake bacon to prevent charring and oxidized lipids, then serve on top of cooked Brussels sprouts. Be aware, however, that unless you select low-salt varieties, this meal will still be high in saturated fats and salt, so don’t expect to eat half a pack of bacon and miraculously develop six-pack abs.
Coconut Oil
Coconut is composed of 90 percent saturated fat, which allows it to permeate cells more quickly than most other fats, providing quick advantages. Coconut is also a natural source of lauric acid, which has the ability to destroy dangerous germs, viruses, and fungi on your skin.
You can use coconut oil in cooking in the same manner as other fats, such as butter and oils. Its higher smoke point comes in handy for baking, or you can use a tiny amount when sautéing.
Chili
It becomes obvious that chili is healthy food once you examine how many nutritious ingredients it contains, such as beans, vegetables, spices, and maybe even some meat. Reduce the amount of high-fat toppings like sour cream and cheese, and you’ll have a nutritious and filling dinner. Spicy chili is even healthier for you due to the health benefits of spicy foods.
Coffee
Coffee improves your overall mood by activating the feel-good neurotransmitter dopamine. Caffeine and antioxidants can also help enhance workout performance. To avoid sleep interruptions, avoid drinking coffee four to six hours before bed. Do you want to cut back on your sugar consumption? Add calcium-rich milk and warmer spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to your coffee.
Pasta
Once broken down, pasta delivers energy that powers our muscles and brain, and it
can function as the perfect basis for a meal when combined with fiber-rich vegetables and meats like chicken, shrimp, or beef. Whole-wheat pasta is a healthier alternative because it contains more fiber and nutrients, but people with Celiac disease or gluten allergies should choose rice or bean-based pasta.
We often hear that pasta is loaded with carbs, which is true, but the positives vastly outweigh the negatives, in this case, making pasta one of the more surprising foods that are healthier than you would expect.
If you’re looking to make a change but still want to eat foods you like, you can’t go wrong with any of the above options. You may have to make some changes in how you cook these items, but they will still taste just as good. Remember to keep at it, as healthy isn’t a phase but a lifestyle!
Delicious Recipes to Try:
- Easy to Make Harissa
- Tequila Shrimp Tacos with Bacon and Guacamole
- Easy to Make Peas and Asparagus Pasta
- Apple Butternut Squash Soup (can bebmade with coconut oil)
- DIY Instant Thai Coconut Chicken Pot Noodles
Stacey is a Southern girl with a taste for travel, thriving on the discovery of the world through food. After spending many years traveling and living overseas, she’s now back home in her beloved deep south enjoying life with her three little ones and loving the adventure. She’s a food stylist and food photographer, as well as, the creative behind Little Figgy Food, where she loves to inspire others to try new flavors and foodie techniques.