20 Healthy Foods That Taste Just As Good As Unhealthy Ones
Can’t Believe They’re Healthy
Most people eat healthy foods for their well-being rather than for flavor. But at the same time, some so-called health foods have no right being as tasty and tantalizing as they are. In fact, these foods taste just as good as their unhealthy counterparts, making them the perfect pick-me-up in any diet. Did we miss any of your favorite foods?
1. Salsa
Salsa is a low-calorie food that is packed with flavor. It’s full of healthy vegetables that give a zesty and refreshing flavor and a creamy texture that goes well with almost anything. There are lots of vitamins and antioxidants in salsa as well, making it just as delicious as some unhealthy foods, if not more.
2. Roasted Sweet Potato
Roasted sweet potatoes have a natural sweetness to them, as well as a very satisfying texture and flavor. They are rich in fiber, complex carbs, vitamin A, B, and C, all while tasting delicious. The versatility of sweet potatoes is so great, you can pair them with both sweet and savory things.
3. Tzatziki
A refreshing Greek yogurt-based dip with cucumbers, dill, and garlic, tzatziki is creamy, tangy, protein-rich, and healthy. The Greek yogurt provides a good dose of probiotics too, supporting gut health and digestion. The light texture and craveable flavor make this food a perfect dip, sauce, or side to any main dish.
4. Peaches
Peaches are a wonderful food all around. They taste amazing, are juicy and sweet, slightly tart, and are bursting with vitamins A and C, as well as a good dose of antioxidants. With such a sugary feel to them, it’s hard to believe how something so full of flavor can be so healthy at the same time.
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5. Sashimi
Sashimi is a great source of lean, high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids. It’s the best way to enjoy sushi without the added calories of rice as a base. Paired with a dab of wasabi and a light dip in soy sauce makes for a perfect burst of flavor with every single bite.
6. Baked Beans
Baked beans are hearty and comforting with a nice sweet and savory balance to them. They provide a good amount of fiber and protein, as well as magnesium and iron. The natural sugars inside make them feel very indulgent, which is great for a side dish or even a main, depending on the way you prepare them.
7. Roasted Garlic
Roasted garlic is something that you have to try if you haven’t already. It is one of the best ways to prepare garlic, turning it from a sharp and pungent ingredient into a buttery, rich, caramelized spread or topping. Garlic is great for supporting our immune system and has been used to lower cholesterol and blood pressure with its healthy properties.
8. Pickles
Pickles are a crunchy, salty, tangy, and slightly sour food that is perfect as a snack, side, or topping. They are low in calories and a good source of probiotics, and they also promote a healthy appetite. You can choose to make a homemade version of jarred pickles, which allows you to control just how healthy they will be even further.
9. Grilled Pineapple
Grilled pineapple gives a nice tropical flavor that tastes fresh, tangy, and naturally sweet. The heat caramelizes the sugars inside the pineapple, making the sweetness enhanced, while adding a hint of smokiness that elevates the eating experience. It is a guilt-free treat that is low in calories and high in vitamin C.
10. Almond Milk
Almond milk is one of the most popular dairy alternatives in the world. It has a smooth and slightly nutty taste, it’s low in calories, especially compared to cow’s milk, doesn’t have saturated fats or cholesterol, all while being rich in calcium and vitamin D. Almond milk has great versatility as well when it comes to its uses, such as baking, smoothies, cereals, or simply drinking it as it is.
11. Hummus
Hummus is a creamy and savory dip that is sure to make you fall in love with it once you try it. It’s a plant-based protein full of fiber, calcium, magnesium, and potassium, making it great for supporting good digestion and a healthy gut. You can put it on sandwiches, use it as a dip, or even dress your salads with it.
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12. Roasted Chickpeas
Roasted chickpeas are a perfect replacement snack for those unhealthy chips and crackers. They are nutty, crunchy, salty, packed with protein and fiber, and super nutritious. After they are roasted, quickly toss them in a seasoning mix and you’re guaranteed to crave them every time you feel snacky.
13. Dates
Naturally sweet and wonderfully sticky, dates are extremely rich and flavorful. Full of fiber, antioxidants, and potassium, they are more nutritious than any sugary sweet you can buy by a far margin. Just one single date can satisfy your sugar craving while making you healthier than eating quite literally any sugary snack from the store shelf.
14. Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is a creamy and slightly tangy food that pairs well with both sweet and savory foods alike. It is a protein-rich and low-fat ingredient you can add to any dessert, food, or simply use as a dip. Eating cottage cheese makes you feel full for a longer period of time due to it containing casein, which also helps you eat less if you are trying a new diet.
15. Mango
Mangoes are a juicy tropical fruit that is bursting with sweetness and flavor. It has natural sugars that are way better than processed sugars found in many sweets, as well as fiber, vitamin C, antioxidants, and potassium. The best part about it is that you can eat them frozen, fresh, blended, cooked, baked, or grilled: there really isn’t a limit other than your creativity.
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16. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are the perfect side dish to any main when roasted. They develop a crispy edge with a slightly sweet and nutty flavor, all while being rich in vitamin K and fiber. After they are done roasting, toss them in a little bit of olive oil and enjoy a very addictive side dish.
17. Ceviche
Ceviche is a light and zesty dish made with fresh citrus juice, onions, tomatoes, herbs, and seafood. It’s a great source of lean protein and a very good appetizer or side dish. Serving it chilled gives an even more refreshing eating experience that is also low-fat and delicious.
18. Strawberries
One of the most popular fruits, strawberries are a sweet and juicy food that goes on virtually anything. They are very low in calories while being a great antioxidant, full of vitamin C, and fiber. Their natural sweetness makes them perfectly indulgent, and serving them chilled is more refreshing than any candy can ever be.
19. Edamame
Edamame beans are satisfying to eat and surprisingly rich in vitamins and minerals. Eating them lightly salted and steamed provides a rich dose of fiber and iron, as well as protein and vitamins A, B9, C, and K. The mild and light flavor makes them a great side dish to any other food it is served with.
20. Avocado
Avocados have been one of the most popular fruits in the world for quite some time now. Full of healthy monounsaturated fats, potassium, and fiber, they are healthy and have a satisfying texture when eaten. You can use them in salads, smoothies, dips, or to make one of the most craveable things.
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