5 Foods That Aren’t As Sinful As They Seem

When people say “health food”, that things that comes to your mind is tofu, fruits and vegetables (salads and similar entrees), juices, gluten and other bland tasting and weird tasting concoctions…bleegch. >:-P

Never would you think of pizza, beef, and eggs, right?

Guess what! – Here are five guilty-pleasure foods that are actually good for you :

1. Eggs - As long as you lay off the bacon and butter, a dish's cholesterol level will have little impact on the cholesterol levels in your blood. A single egg has a mere 75 calories, stuffed with 13 essential nutrients, vitamin E, iron, zinc, and other compounds that improve vision, health, and memory.

Best ways to eat them: As close to au naturel as possible. Enjoy them scrambled, boiled or poached, mixed with veggies or chopped and tossed with a little light mayo. Partner with whole wheat toast, whole grain pilafs or fruit.

2. Potatoes - YUP… those deep-fried fries (here in Qatar I hear some call it “chips”) will never make the healthy foods list. BUT, a single baked potato, however, will give you 25% of your daily dose of vitamin C, along with other important nutritious sources, such as B6 and potassium.

Best ways to eat them: It’s the add-ons that do the damage. Try low-fat cottage cheese and snipped herbs or black beans and corn salsa. Try boiled potatoes diced and lightly brushed with olive oil, herbs and spices; mash them with the skins on; or bake and top with sautéed mushrooms and onions. Yummy!

3. Pizza - Yes, we're serious – BUT, it ALL DEPENDS on the TOPPINGS. Extra cheese and sausage aren't a nutritionist's delight – but if you stick with a whole-wheat crust, tomato sauce base, and healthy vegetable toppings, you'll be scoring points all over the food pyramid.

Best ways to eat them: Whole-wheat crust is a must. Slather on tomato sauce and go easy on cheese and lean meat. Be generous with your veggie picks. If buying pre-made pizza, stick with whole-wheat crust and add additional veggies to the top.

4. Beef - No need to be virtuous by ordering a salad instead of that steak you're eying on the restaurant menu – beef is one of the best sources of protein and zinc out there, and as long as you stick to smaller portions and lean cuts, you don't have to worry about the fat.

Best ways to eat them: like the pizza servings, nutritious consumption of red meat ALL DEPENDS on the portion size and the cut of beef. Keep portions to 3 ounces to 4 ounces of cooked weight. Choose cuts from the round or loin, such as top round, eye of round, top loin or sirloin, or try flank steak. Trim visible fat and marinate in flavorful low-fat sauces. To keep fat in check, grill, broil or bake beef, or cook it in broth or another low-fat liquid.

5. Sugary cereals - Cap'n Crunch and Count Chocula may not make the cut – but breakfast cereals that include whole wheat or rolled oats as prime ingredients can be fantastic sources of vitamins and nutrients. Avoid the brands that include dried fruit, though: It's healthier (and tastier) to cut a few fresh strawberry or banana slices straight over the bowl.

Best ways to eat them: Some diets advise two servings of cereal a day, but one bowl should be enough for most people. Pick brands with fewer ingredients listed. Add your own fruit – strawberries, blueberries or bananas. Sugars listed on the nutrition label should be no more than 8-10 grams (8 grams = 2 tsps.) and offer at least 3 grams of fiber per serving. Drink the milk at the bottom of the bowl because some of the nutrients added to cereals leach out into the milk. If you try to cut calories by tossing the leftover milk, you’ll likely miss out on many of the nutrients that were added in.

So, sit down, dig in and enjoy. ;-D