The surprising foods dietitians say are healthier than you think!
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When it comes to healthy eating, we are often bombarded with conflicting information about what's good for us and what isn't. This can make it hard to figure out which foods to include in our diet.
Now, a dietitian from Sydney has gone online to set the record straight and reveal the supermarket foods that are actually good for you – and some of them may surprise you!
Rebecca Gawthorne, who goes by the handle 'Nourish Naturally' on social media, shares her advice on all things nutrition and healthy eating on her Instagram and, most recently, posted a video revealing nine foods that are 'healthier than you may think'.
These included activated nuts, tofu, white potatoes, legumes with lectins, whole-grain cereals, canned vegetables, dried fruit, wholegrain bread and frozen vegetables - all of which are convenient, affordable and nutrient-packed meal options.
'These foods tend to get a negative reputation but are actually very nutritious,' Rebecca said.
Take nuts that aren't activated, such as natural almonds, for example.
Their counterparts have been a staple amongst the health-conscious crowds in recent years; however, Rebecca said activated nuts are 'simply raw nuts that have been soaked for long enough to activate the nut's digestive proteins'.
'If you enjoy activated nuts, then go for it,' Rebecca said. 'However, studies haven't found any benefit to activating and soaking nuts - it doesn't reduce phytates or has any health benefits.'
She added: 'In fact, phytates have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, along with other health benefits.'
So if you'd rather have natural nuts than ones that have been activated, go for it!
Rebecca's message about tofu is also an interesting one. While many people have concerns about soy influencing hormones, Rebecca said there is no hard evidence to back this claim, and it's a great source of plant protein.
'It is also rich in calcium if you choose the ones set with calcium - just look for calcium sulphate 516 on the ingredients,' she said.
And while white potatoes may have been 'off-limits' for carb-dodgers in the past, Rebecca said they are actually 'so filling and nutritious' and provide us with a 'healthy source of carbohydrates and other nutrients.'
What's more, they are a good source of prebiotics once cooked and cooled.
Meanwhile, legumes with lectins (such as beans, lentils, peas, soybeans, and peanuts) may often be omitted from fad diets, but Rebecca said there is no evidence to back the claim that lectins are unhealthy.
'In fact, there is some evidence that low doses of dietary lectins, consumed within adequately prepared foods, may, in fact, have health benefits, including anti-cancer effects,' she said.
Whole-grain cereals and canned veggies were also deemed healthy options by the dietitian – the former for their excellent nutritional content, dietary fibre and immune system and heart health benefits, and the latter as a convenient, affordable and versatile pantry option.
Rounding off the list were traditional dried fruit (without added sugar and a great alternative to fresh fruit), wholegrain bread and frozen vegetables, both of which, according to the dietitian, are good sources of slow-burning carbs and additional key nutrients.
Rebecca is a firm believer in eating a balanced diet and regularly shares tips and recipes with her followers on Instagram - and her latest video has already been viewed almost 30,000 times!
So, members, the next time you're at the supermarket, why not add some of these nutritious, affordable and convenient foods to your pantry and give them a go?
If you have any tips or recipes to share, then please let us know in the comments below - we'd love to hear from you!
Now, a dietitian from Sydney has gone online to set the record straight and reveal the supermarket foods that are actually good for you – and some of them may surprise you!
Rebecca Gawthorne, who goes by the handle 'Nourish Naturally' on social media, shares her advice on all things nutrition and healthy eating on her Instagram and, most recently, posted a video revealing nine foods that are 'healthier than you may think'.
These included activated nuts, tofu, white potatoes, legumes with lectins, whole-grain cereals, canned vegetables, dried fruit, wholegrain bread and frozen vegetables - all of which are convenient, affordable and nutrient-packed meal options.
'These foods tend to get a negative reputation but are actually very nutritious,' Rebecca said.
Some foods in supermarkets are seen as 'unhealthy' by many, but are they really? Credit: Pexels/Michael Burrows.
Take nuts that aren't activated, such as natural almonds, for example.
Their counterparts have been a staple amongst the health-conscious crowds in recent years; however, Rebecca said activated nuts are 'simply raw nuts that have been soaked for long enough to activate the nut's digestive proteins'.
'If you enjoy activated nuts, then go for it,' Rebecca said. 'However, studies haven't found any benefit to activating and soaking nuts - it doesn't reduce phytates or has any health benefits.'
She added: 'In fact, phytates have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, along with other health benefits.'
So if you'd rather have natural nuts than ones that have been activated, go for it!
Rebecca's message about tofu is also an interesting one. While many people have concerns about soy influencing hormones, Rebecca said there is no hard evidence to back this claim, and it's a great source of plant protein.
'It is also rich in calcium if you choose the ones set with calcium - just look for calcium sulphate 516 on the ingredients,' she said.
And while white potatoes may have been 'off-limits' for carb-dodgers in the past, Rebecca said they are actually 'so filling and nutritious' and provide us with a 'healthy source of carbohydrates and other nutrients.'
What's more, they are a good source of prebiotics once cooked and cooled.
Dried fruit and frozen vegetables are still nutritious and convenient options. Credit: Instagram/nourish_naturally.
Meanwhile, legumes with lectins (such as beans, lentils, peas, soybeans, and peanuts) may often be omitted from fad diets, but Rebecca said there is no evidence to back the claim that lectins are unhealthy.
'In fact, there is some evidence that low doses of dietary lectins, consumed within adequately prepared foods, may, in fact, have health benefits, including anti-cancer effects,' she said.
Whole-grain cereals and canned veggies were also deemed healthy options by the dietitian – the former for their excellent nutritional content, dietary fibre and immune system and heart health benefits, and the latter as a convenient, affordable and versatile pantry option.
Rounding off the list were traditional dried fruit (without added sugar and a great alternative to fresh fruit), wholegrain bread and frozen vegetables, both of which, according to the dietitian, are good sources of slow-burning carbs and additional key nutrients.
Rebecca is a firm believer in eating a balanced diet and regularly shares tips and recipes with her followers on Instagram - and her latest video has already been viewed almost 30,000 times!
So, members, the next time you're at the supermarket, why not add some of these nutritious, affordable and convenient foods to your pantry and give them a go?
If you have any tips or recipes to share, then please let us know in the comments below - we'd love to hear from you!
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