PT KONTAK PERKASA - We have the best intentions when we choose healthy foods to nosh on.
But if you eat them the wrong way, you could be missing out on valuable
nutrients or getting more calories than you bargained for. Here are six
good-for-you foods commonly eaten in not-so-healthy ways.
High in vitamin A and bursting with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
properties, the sweet potato is one tuber you shouldn't pass up. Sweet
potato fries are definitely not the healthiest way to enjoy this
orange-colored veggie, since frying adds tons of fat and calories.
Boiling is a good method, as long as you don't mash the sweet potatoes
with tons of butter and brown sugar. Instead, try steaming diced chunks
or baking the potato whole.
If you have a craving for fries, here's a recipe for oven-baked spiced sweet potato fries. Choose organic potatoes over conventional ones so you can also enjoy the benefits of the fiber-rich skin.
Peanut Butter
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Anna Monette Roberts
A great source of quick protein and one of the best pre-workout
snacks, peanut butter should be simply made by crushing peanuts, but if
you're not mindful about which jar you choose, it might also contain
added sugar, salt, and hydrogenated oils. Avoid the unnecessary fats and
sugars by choosing natural peanut butter or making your own in a food processor.
Holy protein and fiber! Beans are inexpensive and low in fat, so
they're a great addition to a healthy diet. The problem is that most
beans come in cans lined with BPA.
Exposure to this chemical has been linked to cancer, heart disease, and
early puberty. Canned beans are also high in sodium, so soaking and boiling your own beans is your best bet. If you're short on time, choose Eden or Westbrae Natural BPA-free canned beans.
Dried Fruit
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Jenny Sugar
When you need a quick nibble or a healthy way to satisfy a sugar
craving, dried fruit is a healthy option. Well, that is if it's not
covered in sugar. Make sure to choose dried fruits made without added
sugars. Sometimes you can tell just by looking at the fruit, but if
you're not sure, check the package. Of course, on a lazy Sunday, you can
also make your own — try these recipes for dried mango and dried cantaloupe.
Apples
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Jenny Sugar
An apple makes the perfect snack because it's sweet, juicy, and full
of fiber to satiate your hunger cravings. Most of the vitamins and
minerals are found in the peel, such as vitamins A and C, calcium,
potassium, folate, and iron, so if you peel the skin, you're throwing
out all that nutrition. Be sure to buy organic apples and crunch on this
fruit with the red, yellow, or green peel intact.
