5 “Unhealthy” Foods that are Actually Good for You

The majority of American adults have tried a diet or two in their lifetimes. In the 1990s, the trend was cutting fat out of your diet. In the 2000s, carbs were the culprit when the number on the scale got a little too high. Recently, there has been a lot of information about the drawbacks of a high-sugar diet. Through it all certain foods have gotten a reputation for being “bad,” but new science proves some of these foods are actually part of a healthy diet.

Eating a varied and nutritious diet is one of the best ways to stay healthy and fit throughout your life. If you’re wondering which “unhealthy” foods you should actually avoid and which pack a sneaky health punch, read on.

5 “unhealthy” foods that are actually healthy: 

  1. Bread. In the last 20 years, bread and other carbohydrates have been through the dietary ringer. Plans like Atkins, South Beach, and Keto encourage limiting or even eliminating carbohydrates for weight loss success. However, carbohydrates are critical to a healthy, balanced meal plan. Carbs are our bodies’ most efficient energy source and many of our major organs need carbs to function properly.In order to incorporate carbohydrates into your diet in a beneficial way, stick to whole grains like oatmeal, wholemeal bread, and brown rice. You can also switch things up by trying new grains like quinoa, farro, barley, and amaranth.
  2. Eggs. Another diet myth we can thank the 90s for is that foods naturally high in cholesterol contribute to poor heart health outcomes. Science has now proven foods high in cholesterol do not directly impact blood cholesterol levels when eaten as part of a healthy diet. Eggs were one of the biggest victims of this myth, but these little guys are actually nutrition powerhouses. Eggs contain good fat, protein, vitamins, and minerals – and yes, you should eat both the white and the yellow. Eggs are also cost effective and versatile – you can enjoy them with any meal!
  3. Coffee. For most people, drinking a moderate amount of caffeine each day does not contribute to poor health. In fact, when caffeine is consumed  in moderation and in the form of coffee, you might actually experience health benefits. Coffee contains vitamins that can contribute to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes. Just be sure to not offset these benefits by loading your coffee with sugar or butter (another unique diet fad)!
  4. Dairy. Milk, cheese, and yogurt – particularly full fat varieties – have long had a bad nutritional reputation. However, new studies show that dairy products contain a variety of beneficial nutrients, including protein, vitamin D, calcium, potassium, and magnesium. The fat in dairy can also help keep you full between meals. Dairy foods with live and active cultures like greek yogurt and kefir can also have a positive effect on the gut microbiome, a powerhouse in your body that contributes greatly to overall health. Just be cautious of consuming too much dairy high in sugar, like ice cream and flavored yogurt.
  5. Frozen food. No longer is the freezer aisle filled with meatloaf TV dinners and frozen lasagna. These days, this particular section of the grocery store contains some of the healthiest options you can find. Fruits and vegetables are flash frozen when they are at their peak ripeness, so you can feel good about heating up a steamer bag of broccoli for a dinner side or adding frozen berries to your morning oatmeal. Even frozen meals have gotten a healthy makeover: brands like Amy’s, Kashi, EVOL, and Trader Joe’s have delicious options for a quick and nutritious lunch or dinner. Just be careful to check the sodium count – many brands still contain high amounts, which can counteract any health benefits.

If you’re looking to make positive lifestyle changes, adding the foods above to your diet is a great place to start. Scheduling a chiropractic adjustment is another great step to a healthier life. Here at Kennedy Chiropractic, we provide expert services to people of all ages in Wauwatosa, Milwaukee, Waukesha, and surrounding communities. Specializing in chiropractic care for pregnancy, back and neck pain, whiplash treatment, and red light therapy. Give us a call today to schedule your appointment.