'Banned' Foods That Are Actually Good for You

Dieting and healthy living is mostly related to severe restrictions and an endless list of forbidden foods. Still, there are certain banned foods that you can actually eat since they are rich in essential vitamins and minerals and might even help you lose weight.

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Controlling portions, watching calorie intake, facing cravings and deprivation. Sometimes, dieting can be quite overwhelming and depressing. However, this is not the saving ticket towards a healthy body and a slender figure. Losing weight doesn't necessarily mean giving up to all those foods you love, but learning just a few tips on how to choose the right foods and provide all the nutrients your body needs. Once banned, eggs, bread, pastas, nuts, potatoes, and chocolate might be vital allies in your weight loss program.

Bread and pasta

Even though it is considered as being an enemy when it comes to dieting, bread is in fact a healthy choice. Wholegrain bread is high in fiber, minerals and vitamins, while the multigrain bread is high in fiber and low in fat. Besides, bread contains carbohydrates that increase brain chemicals, which control the appetite and therefore impede overeating. These carbs produce serotonin that is responsible for boosting our good mood and avoid depression. Choose wholegrain bread as it is more satisfying and richer in nutrients. As for pastas, the wholegrain versions are the best option as they have filling fiber and keep you fuller for longer.

Potatoes

When it comes to potatoes it is important the way you cook them. Potatoes are highly unappreciated even though they are filling and contain important nutrients the human body needs, such as vitamin C, vitamin B6, iron, potassium, and copper. In addition, potatoes have half soluble, half insoluble fiber, which help you lower cholesterol. These complex carbohydrates might also be the key to a successful weight loss since they make you feel fuller for longer and are moderate in calories.

Eggs

Eggs have been banned due to their high content of cholesterol. Still, experts say that eggs are not responsible for the increasing level of cholesterol in the body as they are poor in saturated fats. In fact, researches show that one large egg has only 70 calories and represents a great source of choline, a substance that the body needs in order to break down fat, and controls the nervous and the cardiovascular system. Moreover, eggs contain other essential vitamins and minerals, 6 grams of protein and all 9 essential amino acids, lutein and zeaxanthin that are helpful in lowering the risk of cataracts. Eggs seem to be extremely helpful when wanting to lose weight by increasing satiety.

Nuts

Nuts contain fiber, antioxidants and protein and are therefore a healthy snack that can prolong satiety so you are less tempted to overeat. Walnuts, almonds, cashews, pecans, and other nuts are a smart investment for those who want to lose or maintain their weight and decrease the bad cholesterol. It has been shown that fats in nuts are heart-healthy and might even reduce blood pressure. However, make sure you control portions and go for one small handful of nuts.

Dark chocolate

If there is one irresistible treat, that is chocolate. Banned for its high calorie content, dark chocolate has in fact an array of health benefits and one small bar might actually be good for you, especially when wanting to reduce stress. First of all, antioxidants in chocolate fight free radicals and thus prevent heart problems and other diseases. Besides, dark chocolate, not white or milk chocolate, also protects the brain and blood vessels from serious conditions linked to high blood pressure. Furthermore, chocolate can help you stay on your diet and suppress appetite while helping you feel fuller for longer. This, of course, if going for a reasonable portion size of dark chocolate.

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