Here are 10 foods you may be avoiding unnecessarily.
1. Avocado. It may seem weird for a fruit (yes, avocados are fruits) to contain fat, but avocados are one of the few produce items that do. Their heart-protecting monounsaturated fats are actually one of the things that makes them so healthy.
2. Spaghetti and meatballs. Thanks to the iron and protein from the beef, lycopene from the tomato sauce and energy-producing carbs from the pasta, this dish a healthy trifecta.
3. Bananas. A small banana has the same calories, carbs and fiber as an apple. Bananas also are packed with vitamins C and B6 and good-for-your-heart potassium.
4. Peanut butter. The nutty spread provides protein, fiber and vitamin E. The same goes for whole peanuts or nuts such as almonds and walnuts. They’re great sources of healthy fats.
5. Coffee. Along with adding a little pep to your step, coffee is teeming with antioxidants.
6. Corn. One cup of corn kernels has 5 grams of protein, 4 grams of fiber (that’s more than 25 percent of the daily recommendation) and energy-producing B-vitamins.
7. Burritos. These Mexican treats can cover all your nutrition bases in one tortilla when filled with vegetables, rice, beans and small portions of meat.
8. Chicken thighs. Dark meat, like avocados, is high in healthy monounsaturated fats.
9. Potatoes. 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 needs.
10. Eggs. These are full of vitamins A, D and the antioxidant lutein. Don’t skip the yolks; they have just as much protein as the whites.
For more information, go to www.foodnetwork.com.
Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service
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