Healthy Bites: 8 'Cheat foods' that are surprisingly good for you

7 ‘Cheat foods’ that are surprisingly good for you

ashley

20 Sep 2017

1/7
Popcorn
This cinema favourite has earned a less-than-stellar image for it's addictive buttery and salty flavours that has fooled the masses into thinking it is unhealthy. Well would you believe that popcorn sans all that butter actually can be quite nutritious? Plain air-popped popcorn is low in calories and an excellent source of fibre. Try adding olive oil and spices like cinnamon, paprika, oregano or dill for an unconventional yet flavourful alternative!
2/7
Cranberry Juice
When it comes to cranberry juice, the benefits outweigh the negatives. Even with the high sugar content, cranberry juice is a powerful remedy for urinary tract infections. Just drinking a glass everyday can prevent UTIs and alleviate symptoms.
3/7
Peanut Butter
Smooth, creamy texture and rich nutty flavours- peanut butter certainly does seem to fit the bill of an unhealthy snack. Nonetheless, peanut butter actually is associated with lower cholesterol and blood pressure!
4/7
Cheddar Cheese
It is truly an outrage that one could ever tar cheddar with the same brush as other unhealthy foods. Cheddar provides calcium and zinc as well as a boost to your immune system. Moreover, it is able to neutralise acids in your mouth and increase saliva production! Who knew?
5/7
Coffee
When it comes to a bad rep, coffee undeniably takes the cake! High in antioxidants, this super-fuel decreases the risk of ailments such as Parkinson's disease, type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer's! Try adding less sugar and cream for a healthier alternative that won't add inches to your waistline!
6/7
Dark Chocolate
You can stop giving the stink eye to the chocolate in the kitchen now- Dark chocolate contains a high amount of fibre, antioxidants and other vitamins and minerals that have been linked to a lower cholesterol.
7/7
Potatoes
Usually thought of as a starchy white vegetable that contains little to no nutritional value, potatoes can do more than just pack on the pounds! A plain baked potato is rich in potassium, vitamin B6, fibre and vitamin C that has been linked to good heart and brain health. How's that for a potato?

On a diet? Good news: looks like you won’t have to give these ‘cheat foods’ up after all!

Dieting is a fickle beast. Some days, eating balanced proportions of steamed veggies and lean meat may be a breeze, other days… not so much. Ergo, that’s what cheat meals are for. When push comes to shove, even the most dedicated gym junkies would have a hard time sticking to a bland and monotonous diet.

Perhaps it’s just the psychological, but cheat meals keep you sane and satiated. However, would you believe that certain ‘cheat’ foods aren’t really sinful in the first place? We’ve dug up some infamously ‘unhealthy’ bites that have gained an undeserved bad reputation with their so-called low nutritional value and high caloric content.

Check out the gallery for 7 cheat foods that aren’t so bad for you after all!

Ashley Anand

Photos: Getty Images

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