As a registered dietitian Ive always been asked about healthy foods. I know at parties people watch what I take from the buffet table and feel a little uncomfortable eating decadent foods when Im around. This is strange since my philosophy is to enjoy foods but make a diet of those which supply the most nutrients whenever possible.
This is why I was happy to see the list of The 10 most healthy foods posted last week on the HealthKicker blog. This list offers a reasonable list of foods that are both delicious and nutrient rich. The list doesnt mention only trendy foods that are examples of good marketing but instead foods that have stood the test of time. On the list are berries, dark leafy vegetables, whole grains, fatty fish, dairy, beans/legumes, nuts, sweet potatoes, tomatoes and eggs. Not very radical but reasonable, these foods wont make you stand out at parties but will help supply the nutrients needed for maintaining good health. In fact, just recently my youngest child who is now officially an adult came home from college and remarked at dinner that he never noticed that I always cook healthy. By this he meant, I offer a variety of vegetables at meals and I rarely fry foods or use gravies. I consider it a success that it took so long for him to notice that this was different than what he observed others eating. He hasnt suffered, but learned to enjoy foods and preparations that are naturally healthy.
I mentioned trendy foods and this is a point worth repeating. HealthKicker blog points out the various reasons natural foods are full of nutrients. For example, the nutritional content of an egg as a source of high-quality protein, choline, lutein and zeaxanthin is mentioned in relation to the role in pregnancy, eye health and the prevention of age-related macular degeneration. This is very timely information considering the upcoming release of the 2010 Dietary Guidelines which is our governments guidance for getting adequate nutrition from the American food supply. In fact, the 2010 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee concluded in their scientific report that the consumption of one egg a day is not associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease or stroke in health adults. Now thats a food trend that good to see is back in style.
Marcia