My friend is a self-proclaimed health activist. She keeps on asking me to avoid eating many things in my daily routine as well. While on Monday, she asked me to avoid butter on my bread, on Thursday, she was adamant on making me skip sugar altogether.

Yesterday, she annoyed me very much by snatching a bowl of baked potatoes from my hand. She was like, “Potatoes?? Do you even know how unhealthy they are?” This was the last straw. I met a dietitian and verified my regular diet. The dietitian opined that eating foods in moderation is the key. Rather than, avoiding something altogether, you should have it in moderation. Thank God for this! I am sharing here some foods that you regularly stock in your kitchen and generally think that they are unhealthy but in reality, they are healthy.

1. Potatoes

When your friend asked you to skip eating potatoes, did you avoided them altogether? Not again. Potatoes are good for health, if had in moderation. How healthy the humble potato is depends on the method of cooking it. For instance, while fried potatoes are not good, baked potatoes will do much good to your body. The presence of calcium, zinc, iron, phosphorous, magnesium, potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin C, choline, folate, starch, carbohydrates and other nutrients make potato quite healthy. Potatoes are good for your bones, heart, skin and overall health. They even help in weight management, prevent cancer and due to fiber content, aids in digestion as well.

2. Sugar

Yes, sugar is good for you. However, if you think that now you can go ahead and eat cookies, pastries and indulge in sugar-loaded drinks, then you are wrong here. You can have sugar but in small quantities. I would not advise processed sugar here, though. For instance, you can have sugar in your tea or coffee. But, not by any means, avoid natural sugar that is present in fruits and vegetables. This is because fruits and vegetables are a good source of both antioxidants and fiber.

3. Chocolate

Are you avoiding chocolate because it causes pimples, increases weight and is not good for your overall health? Here’s a way out. Next time, when you crave for chocolate, grab the dark version of it. Dark chocolate, contrary to the plain one, offers many health benefits. It is full of antioxidants and even a host of nutrients. Have some dark chocolate to optimize your blood sugar. Chocolates with at least 70% cocoa are good for your heart and skin too.

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4. Whole Milk

Nowadays, many health conscious people are avoiding whole milk and opting for low fat milk or skim milk instead. However, contrary to the popular belief, whole milk is very good for health. Further, are you aware that reduced-fat milk might be high in sugar? In fact, kids should be given whole milk to build up their health. Make sure that dairy products like milk and yogurt should be whole rather than skim. If you are on a diet, then consuming whole yogurt satiates you faster and prevents you from reaching those fries. Once again, portion is the key.

5. Popcorn

You are in love for popcorn but the recent diets have kept you away from it for long. However, here’s some good news. Popcorn is very good for your health, just the catch here is that you should have plain popcorn and not the ones loaded with caramel or high amount of salt and butter. In fact, popcorn boosts your energy and strength. It keeps you full for a longer period.

6. Nut Butter

I am very fond of nut butters; especially I can have that slice of bread with peanut butter, even as a dessert. However, when my friend asked me not to eat peanut butter at all, I was so disheartened that I skipped eating bread as well. Another friend came to my rescue one day. She told me that nut butters are actually healthy if had in moderation. They are loaded with protein and other nutrients and will even keep you full for a longer period. The catch is to avoid eating highly processed nut butters that are loaded with sugar and salt. You can even prepare nut butter in your kitchen. It’s easy!

7. Coffee

Nothing can keep me away from my mug of coffee. I was relieved to know that those who drink coffee are protected from the risks of Parkinson’s disease, dementia, certain cancers, strokes and many other ailments. The only problem is too much of coffee. Over-consumption of coffee can result in stress too.

The Secret of Enjoying Your Favourite Foods

You can eat anything and everything that you like. However, the only key is ‘portion control’. Even if you are on a weight-loss diet, you can indulge in some pizza, now and then. However, do not go aboard eating to your mind’s content. Your mind might trick you to eat more. But, don’t give in to the temptation. So, what say? Will you have a piece of freshly baked chocolate cake.