Healthy Foods You Are Probably Not Eating

Generally speaking, keeping a healthy lifestyle requires balance in all areas of life, with nutrition on the forefront. It is not a secret that many people think healthy foods are boring and tasteless; therefore, I’ve put together a list of delicious, nutritious foods that you may not have considered but that could make great additions to your diet!

This is a guest post by Demmy James, a fitness buff as well as strength and conditioning specialist. We hope that you find it enjoyable and informative.

1. Tomatoes

Even though they are technically fruits, they are very healthy and exceptionally tasty and sweet. They are extremely versatile – you can bake them, cook them, make them into soup or sauces or eat them as a snack (i.e. cherry tomatoes). They are also very rich in vitamin C and potassium.

2. Coconut Milk

Coconut milk is rich in vitamins C and E, and minerals such as iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium and zinc, which make it a great alternative to dairy. Even though it is high in saturated fat, it is much healthier than other fatty products because the fat is easily metabolized (and we need saturated fat in small amounts).

3. Cauliflower

You may think this is quite a common and plain food but have you even considered making it into mash and replacing the carb dense potatoes? Add a dash of milk and real butter (or olive oil) with a pinch of pepper and you end up with a yummy mash. It’s low in calories but high in vitamin C, vitamin K and folate.

4. Chia Seeds

They are currently among the world’s most popular health foods. They contain many nutrients, and can be used in multiple friendly recipes. Their high fibre and nutrient content makes them a superfood (they have more carbs but 90% of it is not digested – fibre).

5. Homemade Protein Bars

If you have a sweet tooth, opt for a healthy alternative to help you avoid cheating. Homemade protein bars could be made with a healthy mindset; they taste great, and can be made into cakes and cookies too. Additionally, you can try out homemade protein bars tailored to your requirement.

6. Shiitake (Shirataki) Noodles

Made from shiitake mushrooms, they are entirely made of fibre and are very healthy. Because of their health-promoting properties, shiitake mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years.

They have been shown to help prevent cardiovascular diseases and are rich in vitamins and minerals. The noodles are pretty much flavorless and therefore versatile. Throw some healthy tomato sauce in for a healthy spaghetti or veg and tamari sauce for a nice savory stir-fry.

It’s a good alternative to dairy milk/yoghurt and can be used for making desserts, too! It is anti-carcinogenic and contains lauric acid which is beneficial for the brain!

7. Nuts or Nut Butter

Nuts are an excellent source of healthy fats and are low in carbohydrates. If you opt for butter, make your own at home or seek a natural store bought one that is free of hydrogenated oil and excessive salt and sugar. Keep the portions small – a tablespoon or handful is a nice size for a snack.

8. Berries

If you like your fruit, indulge in berries once in a while. They are healthy, low sugar and high in vitamin C and antioxidants, which prevent aging and disease. Strawberries, raspberries and blueberries all have healthy properties and are delicious, so they can definitely be consumed with a healthy lifestyle in mind.

9. Natural Cottage Cheese

This cheese is a favorite among those with a healthy mindset. It's rich in protein and low carb. It contains slow-digesting protein casein, which when consumed in the evening promotes muscle recovery.

10. Kale Chips

Crispy kale chips are not only surprisingly tasty but also made with one of the most nutritious superfoods. Kale contains great amounts of vitamin C, vitamin K, and vitamin A.

11. Avocado

Avocado is one of the best sources of healthy fats, vitamins and minerals such as potassium. Its fibre is easily digested by the human body and therefore doesn’t affect blood sugar levels. It tastes great and can be made into dips, salads and desserts (yes, really!).

12. Dark Chocolate

As surprising as this may sound – good quality, minimally processed (preferably raw) dark chocolate is actually a great healthy treat. Bare in mind the word ‘treat’ (to be consumed in small amounts) and opt for real dark chocolate with an 80-90% of cocao content (or higher), to be sure it doesn’t contain excessive additives.

Some benefits of dark chocolate include improved brain function, reduced blood pressure and lower risk of heart disease. The fatty acid profile of dark chocolate is excellent as the fats are mostly saturated and monounsaturated, with small amounts of polyunsaturates. It also contains stimulants like caffeine and theobromine, which may have mood enhancing properties. Always read labels as this varies among brands.

As a conclusion, don’t think that a healthy lifestyle regarding meals have to be boring! It has to be pleasant enough to be sustainable. Be innovative, try new options and indulge in tasty, healthy treats once in a while!

Image Source: Pixabay

About the Author

Demmy James is a fitness buff as well as strength and conditioning specialist. He is also a content contributor for Muscle & Strength.

At Beyond Vitality, we are here to educate, guide, motivate and inspire you into a new and exciting journey to vibrant health. Our programs focus on small and gradual changes towards long-term and sustainable health. See our range of consultations and programs.