By: Bethany Barich (Follow on Instagram & Twitter)
"Eat this, not that." That is personally one phrase I’m tired of hearing, and though it may be true to limit your consumption of certain foods, that doesn’t mean all the good stuff has to be cut out. Moderation is key, and that’s something I continuously discuss when I’m writing about how to maintain your weight, or lose weight, or becoming healthier.
I know this may be hard to believe but there are actually some foods out there, that may be labeled as unhealthy, that are actually really good to add to your diet! So let’s not worry about what you can’t eat, but rather, what you can.
Red Wine
Priorities, am I right? Every woman’s best friend is a glass of red wine (admit it), so I felt obligated to add this to our list. If you didn’t know, moderate amounts of red wine can actually be really beneficial! Rich in flavonoids and resveratrol, wine is said to be able to help prevent some cellular damages – thanks to the antioxidants found in those ingredients! You can also lower your risk of developing heart disease, and raising the good cholesterol (HDL), and prevent blood clots from forming. So next time you’re home alone, on a rainy day, curl up with a nice book and a glass of Pinot Noir – you deserve it.
Dark Chocolate
Though it is a chocolate, this particular type is actually quite good for us! It helps curb hunger cravings by keeping us full longer, and it’s even able to curb those salty and sweet cravings we get every so often. This chocolate may be higher in protein and fat, but it’s lower in sugar! Start your day off with some dark chocolate mixed into your usual breakfast meals. If you’re not sure how exactly to add dark chocolate into your recipes, check out this fabulous Buzzfeed article!
Frozen Fruit
When the weather becomes a bit cooler, and certain fruits either skyrocket in price or completely go out of season, stock up on frozen fruit! It may be a “processed” type of food, but studies have shown that fruits that are frozen at peak ripeness maintain their nutritional value! Make sure to get fruit that doesn’t have any added sugars by checking the ingredient list, and from there, prepare to have some delicious cool snacks on daily basis!
Cheese
A great way to get a serving of dairy daily! Pairing cheese up with a yummy sauce like spicy mustard, or maybe hummus, cheese can be a great midday snack or paired with any meal. Go for more natural, less processed cheeses like Swiss, cheddar or mozzarella – these types are also a bit more affordable than others.
Sriracha
I love hot sauce. If I could, I’d put it on just about everything. Sriracha sauce is made with chili peppers, which are perfect for suppressing a hefty appetite. Since it’s a hot sauce, your body temperature is likely to rise when consuming it, which allows more calories to burn! Plus, it helps you feel fuller. Next time you’re having a salad, mix a bit of Sriracha with your usual ranch dressing, or add it to mac and cheese!
