Great decision, you have decided to ditch junk food, but now what? After all, aren’t healthy foods boring and tasteless? Not so, the following healthy foods, in many cases, may taste better than junk food.

Tis the season for strawberries that is. Strawberries are juicy with a sweet flavor! As well they are a great source of vitamin C, manganese, folate, potassium, and various antioxidants and plant compounds. Just one cup of strawberries provides 3 grams of fiber and only 46 calories.

Eating strawberries has been linked to heart health, better control of blood sugar, and cancer prevention. Eat them plain or dipped in dark chocolate. While we are on the subject, dark chocolate is very healthy and may reduce your risk of developing several diseases.

I want to make it clear, dark chocolate is cacao, not milk chocolate found in Hershey bars. It is loaded with fiber, and antioxidants, along with minerals, like iron, magnesium, copper, and manganese. Plant compounds found in dark chocolate have been proven to improve blood pressure, and brain function, and protect against heart disease, and harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. To get the most benefit from dark chocolate, the cocoa content should be 70-85%.

The colorful blueberry is both nutrient-rich and sweet. One cup of blueberries has only 84 calories, but 4 grams of fiber. It contains vitamins and minerals, which include vitamin C, vitamin K, and manganese. Blueberries are considered to be an antioxidant superfood that may improve memory in older adults and protect against oxidative cell damage and chronic diseases. Enjoy fresh or frozen, in cereal, yogurt, smoothies, or just grab a handful!

Speaking of grabbing a handful, almonds are perfect to do so. Packed with antioxidants, large amounts of fiber, protein, and vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin E, manganese, and magnesium. They may reduce blood pressure, cholesterol (LDL), the bad cholesterol, all factors for heart disease. Place an almond in a date for a tasty treat.

Pistachios are one of my favorite snacks, both crunchy and mouthwatering. They are full of heart-healthy fats, protein, and fiber. Pistachios are also a good source of B vitamins, phosphorous, potassium, and iron. Because of their powerful antioxidants, they have been linked to health benefits, such as improved blood fats and reduced LDL cholesterol, inflammation, and blood sugar levels.

Pistachios are very filling and may aid in weight maintenance when consumed in moderation. Take heed, pistachios are high in calories, one cup may have up to 700 calories. The trick to not eating many is to purchase pistachios in the shell, the shell slows down your consumption.

Soon deep red cherries will be on the market, and they are definitely a delicious and healthy snack. Cherries are low in calories and high in fiber and vitamin C. They provide nutrients that protect against conditions like cancer, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and Alzheimer’s.

The tropical fruit, mangoes are rich in soluble fiber, antioxidants, vitamin A (from beta carotene), and vitamin C. Low in calories, mangoes will not spike your blood sugar. They are high in plant compounds and antioxidants that reduce oxidative damage and chronic diseases, including cancer. Fresh mangoes are delicious all on their own but can be added to smoothies, yogurt, or on top of oatmeal.

Cheese is delicious and nutritious. It is rich in calcium, vitamin B12, phosphorous, selenium, and zinc. Cheese improves bone health and may protect against osteoporosis, and an increased risk of fractures. As a high protein food cheese may promote lower blood pressure and increased absorption of minerals. There are many types of cheese, all of them consist mainly of protein and fat, and are high in calories.

A fatty fruit with a smooth and creamy taste, the avocado is full of monounsaturated fatty acids, antioxidants, and fiber. Avocados are also a good source of B vitamins, potassium, copper, and vitamins C, E, and K. Avocados are heart healthy and may reduce LDL while also raising HDL (good) cholesterol. Avocados are filling and because they don’t raise blood sugar levels are weight-loss friendly.

I enjoy them sliced and sprinkled with fresh black pepper and paprika. Try this avocado chocolate pudding blend, if you don’t care for them plain.

Avocado Chocolate Pudding

Blend 1 small avocado, half a banana, 1 tablespoon coconut oil, and 2 tablespoons of dark cocoa. Please note this pudding is high in calories and eaten on special occasions or when you need a treat.

Sweet potatoes are high in nutrition and very sweet. They are a good source of vitamin A (from beta carotene) and provide vitamin C, and other vitamins and minerals. They contain several antioxidants, reduce your risk of cancer, and help moderate blood sugar. They can be boiled, baked, or fried.

A healthy dip hummus is made of mashed chickpeas, garlic, sesame seed paste (tahini), olive oil, and lemon juice. Chickpeas are rich in protein and fiber and contain various vitamins and minerals like folate, thiamine, vitamin B6, magnesium, manganese, and copper.

Chickpeas improve your blood sugar levels and reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol and improve digestive health. Hummus can be found at your local supermarket with various additives, my fave is the roasted red pepper hummus.

Yogurt a fermented dairy product is both healthy and delicious. It contains proteins and fats, calcium, and several vitamins. Yogurt is known to improve bone health and reduce blood pressure. Yogurts classified as probiotic contain active cultures of beneficial bacteria.

These probiotic bacteria have health benefits including improved cholesterol, immunity, and digestion. Be sure to avoid yogurts that are loaded with added sugar. Buy natural yogurt and add fruit, berries or top with a crunchy granola.

Peanut butter is a great source of unsaturated fatty acids, protein, and fiber. It also includes vitamins and minerals, which include, B vitamins, copper, manganese, vitamin E, phosphorous, and magnesium. Peanuts also contain more antioxidants than some fruits. They are filling and may lead to weight loss.

Be sure to buy peanut butter made without added sugar or oils. The ingredient list should only include peanuts and a small amount of salt. Add peanut butter to apple slices, celery, or a banana for a healthy snack.

Summer is here and so are watermelons!!! Packed with water, nutrients, and vitamins, watermelons are low in calories and contain powerful plant compounds like lycopene, and citrulline. Watermelons and their juice may lower blood pressure and reduce muscle soreness after exercise.

The water and fiber content of watermelon may lower blood pressure and reduce muscle soreness after exercise. Watermelons are super refreshing and a perfect snack on a hot day.

Craving something tasty? Try one of the healthy foods listed above, they are not only more delicious but will improve your health!

Until next time,

Peace, Love, and Blessings💖