Foods Worth Getting Addicted To

It's no secret that the most addicting foods can be problematic for your health – fast food, high-sugar snacks, and chips. The truth is, when you change your eating habits, you'll find that there are plenty of nutrient-rich foods that are just as addicting. Here are 10 foods that are worth getting addicted to.

Yogurt

Being the perfect snack, yogurt is a protein-packed, fermented food that helps boost immune function. It's important to note that not all yogurts are produced the same, meaning there are superior choices in comparison to others. Zero-fat yogurts are typically full of sugar in order to compensate for the lack of fat.

You're better off sourcing organic Greek yogurt, which offers protein and probiotics. Be aware of the yogurt you're purchasing, as you'll want to consume live and active cultures. The best part is, you can make it your own – add blueberries, granola, walnuts, or honey. It's also the perfect ingredient to make smoothies.

Carrots

It's easy to get addicted to carrots, especially when you serve them with some freshly made hummus. This crunchy food provides your body with highly beneficial carotenoids. Beta-carotene, for instance, targets inflammation and is known to support vision health.

This antioxidant is what yields the red-orange pigment found in plant-based foods. With one cup, you only consume 45 calories, yet gain 12 percent of your daily fiber intake, over 300 percent of your vitamin A, 10 percent of your vitamin C, and more. The perfect side dish is sliced carrots and sweet potato, roasted with olive oil, herbs, and spices.

Nuts

Although you may first think of chocolate covered peanuts – sorry, they just won't cut it. There are so many raw nuts that are both delicious and incredibly nutritious. Walnuts are the perfect example, as they're versatile and extremely healthy. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and fiber, consume one serving per day.

Nuts are great in salads, adding a little texture and elevated flavor. You can also make your own homemade trail mix to snack on at work – pure dark chocolate chunks, dried fruits, nuts, and seeds. Remember, nuts are a food in which should be portion controlled as they're high in calories.

Berries

Whether you like strawberries, blackberries, or blueberries, these small fruits are juicy and ready to burst with flavor. Offering your body high levels of antioxidants, they reduce your risk of numerous ailments, including cancer and heart disease.

In order to achieve optimal health benefits, it's recommended that you eat a variety – at least two different types a day. Although you may associate vitamin C with oranges, strawberries actually yield more of this vitamin per serving. If you're prone to urinary tract infections, cranberries consumed on a daily basis can reduce your risk.

Beans

Beans are incredibly versatile, allowing you to eat them in all kinds of ways. Whether you're making a black bean burger or a vegetarian bean chili, these small fiber and protein-powerhouses support a healthy digestive system, heart, and brain. Full of B-vitamins, iron, and numerous other minerals, beans are especially great for vegetarians and vegans who lack protein in their diet.

When you consume beans a regular basis, you can manage your weight more effectively, as well as symptoms of diabetes. If you're going to source beans from a can, ensure that you thoroughly wash them before consumption - this will reduce your intake of sodium. If you want to use dried beans, soak them in water the night before.

Oats

Getting into the habit of an oatmeal fix will benefit your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol. Since they're high in fiber, oats support gut health and in turn, boost immune function. Oatmeal is also known to be great for heart health, based on its unique antioxidants.

With only 130 calories per cup, oats can help you lose weight while targeting LDL cholesterol levels – once again, reducing your risk of cardiovascular disease. Oats can be dressed up with all kinds of healthy additions, such as yogurt, honey, fruit, and cinnamon, so get creative!

Eggs

Eggs have gotten a bad reputation in the past, based on concerns regarding high cholesterol. Although eggs do increase cholesterol levels, they target HDL or 'good' cholesterol. They're a high-quality source of protein, as well as vitamin D, calcium, B-complex vitamins, folate, and more.

When purchasing eggs, invest in pasture-raised organic sources. Past studies have found that organic eggs offer higher levels of vitamins and minerals. It's also suggested that when you have the option, eat the yolks runny, as this will increase their nutritional value. If you'd like a high-protein snack at work, however, a hard boiled egg is a great choice.

Leafy Greens

From spinach to kale, swiss chard to collard greens, dark leafy vegetables are an incredibly dense source of nutrients. The best part is, you're not limited in terms of creativity. Greens can be consumed both raw or cooked, accompanied by a wide range of ingredients. A spinach salad with strawberries, walnuts, and goat cheese will provide an entirely different culinary experience, in comparison to stewed collard greens.

Get into the habit of eating greens each and every day. This will improve your immune system, reducing your risk of disease, particularly cancer. By eating one cup of spinach, you're only consuming 7 calories, yet you benefit from a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Avocados

Although avocados are high in fat, they offer essential omega-3 fatty acids. High in nutrients, avocados actually contain more potassium than bananas. As mentioned, they offer healthy fats, which protect your heart and brain. Within human studies, it has been found that avocados help reduce various blood markers of heart disease, including LDL cholesterol levels and triglycerides while increasing HDL or 'good' cholesterol levels.

Loaded with antioxidants, avocados are a quick and easy snack. To increase your nutritional intake, make a batch of guacamole, including avocados, olive oil, tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, fresh lime juice, spices, and whatever else you'd like to add. This is the perfect dip for fresh, raw vegetables.

Fish

Fish is a lean source of protein, rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D. When sourcing quality fish, expecting and nursing mothers benefit from the consumption of omega-3 fatty acids - as fatty acids help develop the brain and eyes of newborn children. If you are pregnant, speak to your doctor about fish-related restrictions, such as sushi or fish that are high on the food chain.

Fish has been closely studied due to its apparent effects on the brain. As humans age, they lose grey matter. This functional brain tissue is responsible for memories, emotion, and information processing. Studies have shown that individuals who consume more fish, actually have a denser area of grey matter.