healthyfood

When we eat healthy foods we think we are helping oursleves, but eat them the wrong way, and we could be removing valuable nutrients or getting more calories than we expected. Here are six healthy foods that are frequently eaten in unhealthy ways.

Sweet Potatoes

High in vitamin A, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties, the sweet potato is one root you shouldn't pass up. Sweet potato fries are definitely not the healthiest way to enjoy this veggie, frying adds fat and calories. Boiling, steaming or baking are good methods as long as you don't use butter and brown sugar. When possible choose organic so you can eat the skin too.

Peanut Butter

A great source of protein and one of the best pre-workout snacks, peanut butter should be simply made by crushing peanuts, avoid additives such as sugar, salt and hydrogenated oils. Chooose natural peanut butter or make it by yourself in a food processor.

Beans

Filled with protein and fibre, beans are cheap and low in fat, so they're a great addition to a healthy diet. The problem is in BPA lined cans you'll find most beens sold in. Exposure to this chemical has been linked to cancer, heart disease, and early puberty.

While boiling your own beans is best, for a faster method look for BPA-free canned beans or those in a box.

Dried Fruit

When you need a quick snack or a healthy way to satisfy a sugar craving, dried fruit is a healthy option, but only if it's not covered in sugar. Make sure to choose dried fruits without added sugars. Sometimes you can tell just by looking at the fruit, but if you're not sure, check the package.

Apples

An apple makes the perfect snack because it's sweet, juicy, and full of fiber to satisfy your hunger cravings. Most of the vitamins and minerals are found in the peel such as vitamins A and C, calcium, potassium, folate, and iron, so if you peel the skin, you're throwing out all that nutrition. Be sure to buy organic apples and crunch on this fruit with the red, yellow, or green peel intact.

Broccoli

Many people can't stomach eating raw broccoli and would much rather munch on these florets after they're cooked. Boiling your broccoli may be traditional, but it isn't the healthiest cooking method as it takes away the nutritional value. When enjoying this green veggie, lightly steam or sauté it for only a few minutes, just to slightly soften the stems and produce a bright green hue.