Thinking of starting a super healthy food kick this year? When it comes to making your diet a little healthier, there’s more than just fruit and veg on offer. Check out our list of 6 healthy foods you didn’t realise were actually that good for you.
2017
6 Super Healthy Foods You Didn’t Realise Were Good For You
Peanut butter is an excellent source of energy, especially the kind without too much additional sugar. Opting for natural peanut butter with no added sugar also often avoids any palm oil, making it healthier than other alternatives. Peanut butter contains protein, fibre and vitamins, meaning it’s a great source of energy.
2. Olive Oil
Wondering which fats are good for you? Because olive oil changes its composition once you heat it to a certain temperature, it is kept healthiest when consumed fresh from the bottle. Sprinkle a little olive oil on salads and pastas for added flavour and a dose of monounsaturated fat (one of the healthy fats). Olive oil also contains a number of handy antioxidants, making it a real super healthy food.
3. Chocolate
We’re all told not to eat too much chocolate. But it’s the type of chocolate you eat that makes all the difference. Swap milk chocolate for dark chocolate, ideally over 85%. Did you know dark chocolate is antioxidant rich and can help prevent cancer? It’s also good for your cognitive function and heart. So next time you’re walking down the aisles looking for something to satisfy your sweet tooth, why not go for dark for something much less guilt free?
4. Popcorn
So we’re not talking popcorn covered in butter and toffee. But take away all the extras and popcorn on its own is actually quite healthy, making it a surprisingly healthy food. A whole grain snack containing antioxidants and fibre, one cup of plain popcorn only contains around 30 calories, making it one of the healthier snacks you can go for when at the cinema or putting on your favourite DVD at home.
5. Purple potatoes
Who knew potatoes could be purple? These carbohydrates contain high concentrations of antioxidants and can help maintain a healthy heart. It’s potatoes likes these that mean you don’t always have to say no to carbs.
6. Wholegrain bread
With such a focus on free from alternatives, bread is getting some bad press. But don’t forget that some bread can be good for you, especially if it contains lots of beneficial healthy grains. Whole grain bread contains vitamins, minerals and fibre - so don’t dismiss it so easily next time you’re looking for something to accompany those eggs on a Sunday morning.
Want to stock up on some of these really healthy foods? Head to your nearest convenience store to satisfy your latest health kick, and why not get more inspiration with 12 Months of Healthy Eating Inspiration!
Find your local SPAR
We thought you might like...
7 Healthy Swaps & Junk Food Replacements You Need To Try
With New Year in full swing and resolutions starting to wobble, our 7 favourite healthy junk food swaps are here to get you through the slump just as well as a chocolate covered marshmallow with sprinkles.
High Protein Foods You Need to Know For a Healthier You This Year
There’s so much more to protein than just its muscle growth properties, making it a key part of a balanced diet, no matter who you are or your diet goals. And with so many high protein foods available – all diets and tastes can make sure they’re getting their fix. Find our top 6 recommendations in our list of protein foods below to get your protein morning, noon and night.
12 Months of Healthy Eating Inspiration
Get 12 months of healthy eating inspiration with SPAR. From meat-free Mondays to heart healthy food ideas, we've got something for every month of the year.
Find your local SPAR