4 not-so-guilty pleasures that are actually healthy

 in Health

Guilty pleasure foods don’t have to be unhealthy. Students that learn to cook online will find that there are many benefits to eating some foods that have conventionally been considered unhealthy. Some of life’s greatest treats can actually be good for your health, helping you stay slim, happy and and disease-free. So stop feeling bad and take pride in your “bad for you” habits.

Have a morning cup of Joe
A cup of coffee or two every day won’t hurt you – in fact, it can help you in the long run. Not only does it increase concentration and stamina, but it can fight heart disease as well as some cancers, says the American Institute for Cancer Research. Feel tired during your workouts? Your daily dose of coffee can help you push through long, hard workouts. In addition, moderate middle-aged java drinkers have a lower risk of getting dementia and Alzheimer’s. Relish your coffee, whether it’s on the go, at your desk, decaf or regular, because it benefits your long-term health.

Munch on popcorn
Many people don’t know that popcorn is a whole grain. Low in sodium and fat, but high in fiber, popcorn is a healthy and filling snack, especially if it’s made the right way. To maintain the low-calorie nature of this guilty pleasure, pop it yourself with raw butter or coconut oil.

Drink wine with dinner
Keep your heart healthy by having a glass of antioxidant-rich wine with your last meal of the day. To up the ante, try to drink sulfite-free or organic wine, if possible. The severe migraines you may feel after drinking vino may actually be an allergic reaction caused to the sulfites in the wine you chose.

If you’re not a wine drinker, that’s OK – doctors have found similar benefits from drinking one beer or liquor drink per day, according to the American Heart Association. Keep it in moderation and your heart will thank you later.

Have full-fat dressing on your salad
Low-fat salad toppings have been all the rage for the last couple of years. In reality, these foods can be good for you, as long as you ingest the right amount. Not only do these dressings taste better, but the monounsaturated fats often found in natural products like olive oil and avocado oil can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, according to the AHA. The richness of the dressing will also make you feel more full, in turn causing you to eat less.

Doctors suggest that no more than 30 percent of your calorie intake come from fats of any kind – even the good ones.

Other guilty pleasures, including chocolate, cheese and guacamole, are also beneficial to people’s health. The important thing to indulge in moderation. For culinary arts students, these special treats can add variety to a meal, while also giving eaters a beneficial dose of nutrients, minerals and antioxidants.

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