14 Health Foods That Taste Better Than Junk Foods

Health Line

3 hours ago

Some people believe healthy foods are tasteless and bland, but nothing could be further from the truth. Here are 14 delicious foods you can enjoy instead of the most commonly eaten junk foods.
Strawberries
Strawberries are exceptionally juicy and have a sweet, delicious flavor.
They're an excellent source of vitamin C, manganese, folate, potassium, and various antioxidants and plant compounds.
One cup (144 grams) of whole strawberries contains 3 grams of fiber and as few as 46 calories.
Eating strawberries has been linked to improved heart health, better blood sugar management, and cancer prevention.
If you don't like them plain, try dipping the tip of the berry in some melted dark chocolate.
Dark chocolate
Many studies show that dark chocolate is incredibly healthy and may reduce your risk of several diseases.
It's loaded with fiber and antioxidants, as well as minerals like iron, magnesium, copper, and manganese.
Plant compounds in dark chocolate have been shown to improve blood pressure and brain function and protect against heart disease and the harmful effects of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays.
To reap the most health benefits, eat dark chocolate with a cocoa content of at least 70–85%. Remember to eat dark chocolate in moderation because it is still a source of added sugar.
A piece of dark chocolate is especially delicious when enjoyed with a good cup of coffee.
Almonds
Almonds are the ultimate crunchy treat. They're rich in heart-healthy fats, are very nutritious, and require no preparation.
Almonds are packed with antioxidants and provide large amounts of fiber, protein, and several vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin E, manganese, and magnesium.
They may reduce blood pressure, cholesterol, and the oxidation of LDL (bad) cholesterol — all of which are risk factors for heart disease.
They're also very filling due to being high in fat and calories. One study showed that an intake of 42.5 g/day of almonds significantly lowered low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL).
At the same time, it's important to stay mindful of how many almonds you eat, especially if you are trying to stay within a certain daily calorie target. 42.5 g of almonds is about 1.5 oz, which is roughly about 35 whole almonds or 1/3rd cup, an acceptable portion size.
If you're craving something sweet, try putting 2–3 almonds inside a date for a delicious treat.
Pistachios
These crunchy, salty nuts are absolutely mouthwatering.
Pistachios are loaded with heart-healthy fats, high quality protein, and fiber.
They're also good sources of B vitamins, phosphorus, potassium, and iron.
Rich in powerful antioxidants, pistachios have been linked to health benefits, such as improved blood fats and reduced oxidized LDL (bad) cholesterol, inflammation, and blood sugar levels.
Pistachios are very filling and may aid weight maintenance when consumed in moderation.
Just make sure not to eat too many of these at one time, as pistachios are very high in calories. A single cup (123 grams) of pistachios may have up to 700 calories.
Cherries
These deep red, beautiful berries are a delicious and healthy snack.
Cherries are low in calories but high in nutrients like fiber and vitamin C.
They also contain many antioxidants and plant compounds.
Cherries provide nutrients that may protect against conditions like cancer, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and Alzheimer's.
Mangoes
Mangoes are tropical fruits rich in soluble fiber, a wide range of antioxidants, vitamin A (from beta-carotene), and vitamin C.
They're relatively low in calories and have glycemic index (GI) values ranging from low to medium, which means that they should not cause significant spikes in blood sugar levels.
Mangoes are high in plant compounds and antioxidants that may reduce your risk of oxidative damage and many chronic diseases, including cancer.
Fresh mangoes are simply delicious, and many people like to add them to breakfast porridges, smoothies, or yogurt.
Avocados
Avocados are an unusual fatty fruit with a smooth and creamy texture.
They're packed with healthy monounsaturated fatty acids, antioxidants, and fiber, and are a great source of B vitamins, potassium, copper, and vitamins C, E, and K.
Eating avocados is very beneficial for heart health. It may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by up to 22% while raising HDL (good) cholesterol.
Avocados are also very filling and don't raise blood sugar levels very much, making them a diabetes-friendly food.
If you don't like your avocado plain, try adding some salt and pepper.
If that doesn't do the trick, you can also create an avocado chocolate pudding by blending 1 small avocado, half a banana, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of coconut oil, and 2 tablespoons (30 grams) of dark cocoa.
Just be aware that this pudding is relatively high in calories and should be reserved for special occasions.
Popcorn
Not many people know that popcorn is a whole grain. It's relatively low in calories and high in fiber.
Whole grains may have numerous health benefits, including improved digestion and a reduced risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. They may also aid weight loss and maintenance.
Be sure to avoid prepackaged popcorn varieties that contain large quantities of added ingredients like salt, butter, or caramel. The salt, fat, and added sugar can reduce the nutritional value of this otherwise excellent, weight-loss-friendly snack.
Popcorn is healthiest when it's air-popped or prepared in a pan. Try adding some salt, butter, dark chocolate sprinkles, or cinnamon for a different flavor.
Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes are very nutritious, high in fiber, and deliciously sweet.
They're a great source of vitamin A (from beta-carotene) and provide decent amounts of vitamin C and other vitamins and minerals.
Sweet potatoes also contain several antioxidants and may reduce oxidative damage, potentially reducing your risk of cancer. One white variety may also help moderate blood sugar levels. More human studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Whether they're boiled, baked, or air-fried, sweet potatoes taste great and are especially delicious with herbs and spices.
Hummus
Few healthy dips are as delicious as hummus.
It's made of mashed chickpeas, often mixed with garlic, sesame seed paste (tahini), olive oil, and lemon juice.
Chickpeas are rich in protein and fiber and contain a good amount of various vitamins and minerals, including folate, thiamine, vitamin B6, magnesium, manganese, and copper.
They may also improve blood sugar levels. A 2023 meta-analysis of 12 studies found that chickpeas are more effective at reducing blood sugar than other complex starchy foods like potatoes and wheat.
Studies also indicate that chickpeas can reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol — a risk factor for heart disease — and potentially improve digestive health.
Yogurt
Yogurt is a fermented dairy product that's both delicious and healthy.
It contains high quality proteins and fats, as well as calcium and several vitamins.
Eating yogurt has been associated with both improved bone health and reduced blood pressure.
Certain types of yogurt — marketed as probiotic yogurt — contain active cultures of beneficial bacteria.
These probiotic bacteria are linked to many health benefits, including improved cholesterol, immunity, digestion, and synthesis of various B and K vitamins in your digestive system.
However, be sure to avoid yogurts with added sugar. Instead, buy plain yogurt and add some fruit, berries, or muesli for more flavor and a crunchy texture. Greek yogurt is an excellent choice because it has more protein, which helps promote fullness.
Peanut butter
Peanut butter is an excellent source of unsaturated fatty acids, protein, and fiber.
It's also an excellent source of many vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, copper, manganese, vitamin E, phosphorus, and magnesium.
Plus, peanuts are very rich in antioxidants, even more than some fruits.
They're very filling, and despite being high in fat and calories, they are not linked to weight gain. In fact, they're associated with a reduced risk of obesity.
However, some people find it hard not to eat too much peanut butter at a time. Try to moderate your portions to avoid excess calorie intake. If you tend to binge on peanut butter, it may be best to avoid it.
Also, be sure to choose varieties without added sugar or oils. The ingredient list should only include peanuts and a small amount of salt.
For a tasty snack, try adding peanut butter to apple slices, celery, or a banana.