Some foods are inherently healthy, however, if cooked improperly, nutrients can be lost or the calorie intake can exceed your expectations. Here are 6 common healthy foods where the method of consumption is key.
Sweet Potato Healthy French Fries Junk
Sweet potatoes are rich in Vitamin A and antioxidants, have anti-inflammatory properties, and are an excellent root vegetable.
However, fried sweet potato fries are a major taboo in a healthy diet because fried foods contain a large amount of fat and calories.
As long as you don't mash the potatoes and eat them mixed with butter and brown sugar, stewing potatoes is definitely a good option; you can also steam diced potatoes or roast a whole potato.
Homemade Peanut Butter Healthy Canned Peanut Butter Junk
Peanut butter is essentially ground peanuts, a quick way to get protein, but have you looked at the product label on the jar you bought? It contains large amounts of added sugar, salt, and hydrogenated oil.
Making your own peanut butter allows you to avoid unnecessary fats and sugars. Peel the peanuts, roast them in the oven, or buy roasted peanuts directly, put them in a blender, and then add a little peanut oil and salt to taste.
Boiled Beans Healthy Canned Beans Junk
Beans are inexpensive, low in fat, and an essential part of a nutritious diet. The problem is that most beans are canned, and their linings contain BPA, a chemical that can cause cancer, heart disease, and lead to premature puberty.
Canned beans are also high in sodium, so the best way to eat them is to soak and then boil them.
Unsweetened Dried Fruit Healthy Sugared Dried Fruit Junk
When you want a quick and healthy way to get a sufficient amount of sugar, dried fruit is a good choice, but the premise is that the dried fruit is not coated in sugar. Be sure to choose dried fruit with no added sugar. Sometimes you can tell by looking at the dried fruit; if you're not sure, check the packaging label.
Apples with Skin Healthy Peeled Nutrients Lost
Apples are the best snack because they are sweet, juicy, and the rich fiber makes you feel full. Most vitamins and minerals are hidden in their skins, such as Vitamins A and C, calcium, potassium, folic acid, and iron. So, if you peel the skin, you throw away all the nutrients. If possible, it's best to choose organic apples and chew them whole, red skin and all.
Boiled Broccoli Unhealthy Steamed Most Nutritious
Boiling broccoli may be the traditional way to eat it, but it is not the healthiest method, as it causes many nutrients to be lost.
When eating broccoli, you can steam it or stir-fry it for a few minutes, which will slightly soften the stems while also making its color brighter.