You can’t eat this. No, don’t eat that. Unfortunately, no is a common word associated with diets. And in some instances, we end up writing off the wrong foods and missing out on essential nutrients. Some foods get an undeserved bad rap, but it’s time to give the following six “unhealthy” foods a clean slate.
Egg yolks. Nixing the egg yolk from your breakfast won’t get you too far in terms of weight loss. In fact, you’re just missing out on a portion of all 13 essential vitamins and minerals one egg can provide. Some of the stars include protein, vitamin B12, vitamin A, iron, and vitamin D, which keep your body strong and healthy.
Avocado. Avocados have fallen on both ends of the health food spectrum: a superfood worthy of extreme praise and a food to blacklist from your diet. Avocados earn praise for being high in MUFAs, monounsaturated fatty acids, which lower your cholesterol and risk of heart disease, and receive critique for being high in calories. You shouldn’t avoid them. If you practice mindful eating, you’ll notice a small portion will fill you up quickly. One-fourth of an avocado will give you all the heart-healthy benefits and only cost you about 80 calories. ??
Bread. Contrary to popular belief, cutting bread from your diet won’t magically make you lose weight, especially if you’re just replacing those calories with other foods. Bread has a bad reputation because the calories can add up quickly???an average slice is about 185 calories. So, the average sandwich is 370 calories before you even add your meat and cheese. However, whole-wheat and 100 percent whole-grain varieties are excellent sources of fiber, which can help you lose weight by keeping you full longer. Try an open-faced sandwich or have your bread sliced thin to satisfy your carb craving and keep your weight loss plan intact.
Potatoes. Potatoes are a classic comfort food, and they pack a nutritional punch. The skin is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that have a wide array of health benefits including reducing your risk for cardiovascular disease, lowering blood pressure, and even reducing stress (thank you, vitamin B6!). Watch the fillings and go easy on the salt, and potatoes can be a healthy part of any meal.
Corn. You don’t have to feel guilty about enjoying this barbecue staple. It’s not only packed with fiber and antioxidants, but studies show corn can also help control blood sugar levels for those with diabetes.
Cheese. Sounds too good to be true? It’s not! Studies show consuming more than three servings of dairy daily can reduce the risk for obesity and metabolic syndrome. Stick to reduced-fat varieties and keep portion size in mind, and it can be a healthy part of your diet. Just watch out for processed cheese products, like squeezable cheese. Like all foods, if there is a laundry list of ingredients, it’s probably not too good for you.
Tags: balanced nutrition, calories, dietary guidelines, eating well, lifestyle, medical weight loss
