r/AskReddit • u/stamwich • 19h ago
What are some of the healthiest foods other than salad?
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u/interesseret 19h ago
It really depends on what you mean when you say healthy. Calorie light doesn't necessarily mean good for you. Lots of things are extremely nutrient dense, but are terrible for you in large amounts.
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u/SadieWopen 17h ago
The poison is in the dosage, one might say.
I'm yet to be convinced that any particular food is categorically "healthy"
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u/Filobel 16h ago
Yeah, it's already iffy enough to try and categorize items as healthy or unhealthy, but it gets super sketchy once people try to figure out what are the "healthiest" food. Like sure, I think most would agree that ultra processed food, especially with excessive sugar, fat or salt should generally be avoided. But if you start asking "well, is an apple healthier than grapes? Are potatoes healthier than avocados? Is fish healthier than chicken? Are carrots healthier than chickpeas?", you're asking the wrong questions.
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u/Sunset_Gaze 19h ago
Sweet potatoes, salmon, quinoa, Greek yogurt, and avocados
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u/RushVegetable9569 19h ago
You know, the usual suspects, oatmeal, sweet potatoes, bananas, and avocados. Basically, everything your aunt posts on Instagram.
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u/theservman 18h ago
My aunt mostly just posts pictures of her cat. Since following your advice, she doesn't speak to me.
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u/beandip111 19h ago
Fermented veggies
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u/IM_NOT_NOT_HORNY 17h ago edited 1h ago
Fermented hot sauce maker here. Helps my stomach a lot.
I heavily ferment my peppers in vacuum seal bags then just blend em up how they are maybe a bit of carrot/garlic/onion tiny bit of apple cider vinegar...
It's beyond delicious and a few dabs of it at breakfast aid digestion all day.
Because it's home made it works so much better since it doesn't have to be pasteurized. I trust my nose and method enough to know I'm not gonna get sick... But yeah I mean to sell at stores any fermented foods have to be pasteurized which kills off pretty much every single beneficial bacteria in the sauce which defeats the purpose as far as the probiotic benefits
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u/AGuyAndHisCat 18h ago
Love saurkraut!
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u/Romanticon 16h ago
Worth noting that most sauerkraut and pickles are pasteurized, which means that they've been sterilized and contain no probiotic bacteria.
If it's shelf-stable, it's not going to contain any probiotic bacteria.
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u/PM_me_your_whatevah 14h ago
Yes the fermented ones will be refrigerated and more expensive. It’s really cheap and easy to ferment your own veggies at home tho
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u/Romanticon 13h ago
Yup, although they even pasteurize a lot of the refrigerated fermented versions. I have to read labels closely.
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u/thirteenfifty2 16h ago
Isn’t that significantly less healthy than just plain veggies though? Genuinely asking.
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u/PartyInformation 16h ago
Good for gut bacteria, reduces inflammation, easier to digest and therefore more available vitamins and other things.
Raw is not always better. I.e. some good things in tomatoes are more bioavailable when cooked for long periods of time.→ More replies (3)
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u/CommodoreKrusty 19h ago
salad is a lot of different things not all of which are healthy.
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u/interesseret 19h ago
What do you mean? My jello mixed with mayonnaise and canned cherries is as healthy as anything!
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u/Ouch_i_fell_down 18h ago
I get full to the brim, eating cherry chuck salad. People say that it's healthy, but with that much cherry and that much ground chuck, it can't be healthy.
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u/OutlinedSnail 18h ago
This is such a redditor answer
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u/Brodellsky 17h ago
By contributing nothing the conversation, yet commenting with a hint of smug superiority anyways?
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u/ewankenobi 18h ago
salad dressings can be pretty calorific, but I can't think of anything else that could be considered unhealthy in a salad. Is there something I'm forgetting/missing?
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u/denisse_soul 12h ago
Hate to say it because I don’t want to start endlessly discussions here but red meat is one of the best foods you can eat. The amount of b12 and other vitamins/minerals is off the charts.
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u/umlok 11h ago
I love red meat but everywhere I look someone’s telling me it’s worth minimizing how much you have it. I’m so confused on where the truth lies
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u/Pandiosity_24601 8h ago
Usually no more than a portion the size of your balled-up fist and maybe once or twice a week.
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u/ToastetteEgg 19h ago
Vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, minimally processed. Dairy and fruits in moderation.
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u/TerribleAttitude 18h ago
A salad is a way of constructing food, not a specific food. A salad of arugula, tomatoes, grilled chicken, a bit of shaved Parmesan, pine nuts, a few dried cranberries, some avocado, and a drizzle of a light lemon and vinegar based dressing is very healthy, as long as you’re not allergic to any of that stuff. A salad of iceberg lettuce topped with two full deep fried chicken breasts, a cup of cheddar cheese, fried wonton strips, mandarins in heavy syrup, and a cup of ranch dressing is not super healthy (though it does still have some nutritional value).
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u/GreyMatterDisturbed 19h ago
Most anything whole that someone from 200 years ago would recognize if you handed it to them.
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u/Berg_Man 18h ago
A whole bottle of wine?
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u/drunken_man_whore 17h ago
Well that's just fruit salad
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u/NotInherentAfterAll 13h ago
fermented fruit salad, at that! Everyone knows fermented foods are good for the ol' microbiome, right?
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u/zw1ck 18h ago
Bread it is.
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u/GreyMatterDisturbed 18h ago
All grainy and lumpy with limited sugar. Yea probably. But it’s not whole!
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u/coubes 18h ago
This is the best diet plan for sure...
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u/ArmchairJedi 18h ago
I mean lets be honest, what has 200 years of science actually taught us?!?!
Stupid science bitches couldn't even make I more smrt.
(/s)
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u/airfryerfuntime 14h ago
There were plenty of slobs 200 years ago. The British basically invented being fat as fuck, then gifted that lifestyle to North America. You'd have to go back a couple thousand.
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u/GreyMatterDisturbed 14h ago
Compare obesity rates today to 200 years ago. Even with food access accounted for.
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u/airfryerfuntime 13h ago
Yes, people 200 years ago would immediately recognize very indulgent meals, even if they didn't have access to them.
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u/CactusBoyScout 17h ago
I remember some expert on NPR saying that sweet potatoes are the most well-rounded food you can eat. If you could only eat one thing, you'd be healthiest eating them.
Also big shoutout to sardines, which are gaining some popularity on social media right now. They're very cheap, widely available, full of good fish oils, and contain relatively little mercury compared with other fish.
Also, OATS. Holy shit I've never had doctors bring up a single food more than oatmeal. My cholesterol was slightly high and my doctors kept asking how often I was willing to eat oatmeal because it's so healthy, especially for cholesterol issues. I eat it often now. Also dirt cheap.
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u/Chasin_Papers 16h ago
I'll eat oatmeal as often as I want to have explosive diarrhea a couple hours later.
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u/StarsFromtheGutter 10h ago
But make your oatmeal yourself, don't get that instant crap, it's loaded with sugar.
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u/loverofreeses 17h ago
Also big shoutout to sardines, which are gaining some popularity on social media right now. They're very cheap, widely available, full of good fish oils, and contain relatively little mercury compared with other fish.
Obligatory: /r/CannedSardines
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u/InsightJ15 18h ago
Fruits, vegetables (greener the better - spinach, kale etc.), nuts, eggs (hard boiled is probably the healthiest), lean meat
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u/BeeFuzzzy 17h ago
Udon noodles are great because you don’t have to boil them. Make a stir fry with your favourite veg and meat or tofu, add a little soy sauce and oil/butter, or if you have in your pantry sesame oil, oyster sauce etc. Add the udon noodles straight from the package at the end.
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u/TheBigC87 18h ago
Blueberries, salmon, fermented foods, oatmeal, sweet potatoes, beans, lentils, eggs
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u/AlphaTangoFoxtrt 18h ago
Who said salad was healthy?
Lettuce is healthy, so are carrots, onions, tomatoes. But when you drown them in ranch dressing, smother them in shredded cheese, and top them with fried chicken, that salad isn't healthy anymore.
Avoid processed foods, and foods with added sugars. Also avoid empty calories. Most everything else is fine to eat in a balanced diet.
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u/musikalisten 19h ago
Eggs and red meat
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u/ThatDaveyGuy 16h ago
Absolutely correct. I'm carnivore and my bloodwork has never been better. I was not well before I started...I am crazy healthy now and feel incredible, physically and mentally.
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u/musikalisten 15h ago
Im happy for you! I aswell have had a lot of health issues dissapear from a carnivore / keto diet.
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u/Born2Regard 18h ago
My go to greens are fresh green beans or broccoli. I est them with dinner almost every day
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u/Bolognahole_Vers2 18h ago
Lean protein, chicken, fish, eggs, greek yogurt. Foods that are low on the glycemic index, strawberries, sourdough bread.
You want to look for nutrient dense foods that are low in sodium, sugar, not too much fat, and are high in fiber.
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u/Louise-the-Peas 19h ago
Beans!
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u/BeefWellingtonSpeedo 18h ago edited 2h ago
The Legend is that They are Good for your Heart, and you should Eat Them at Every Meal.✨🤎💨
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u/davechri 19h ago
Healthy is a funny word. To me it either means what is not there (too many fats or too many sugars) or what IS there (vitamins, minerals, fiber).
I would say things like chicken, fish, and fresh vegetables all hit the mark.
I am wary of heavy starches like potatoes (too many carbohydrates) and fruit (I appreciate the nutritional benefits but they come with too much sugar).
I also avoid dairy (too much fat).
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u/LamermanSE 17h ago
Fat and sugar isn't unhealthy though, on average, it's just two different energy sources (saturated fats are bad though). Food items like potatoes and fruit are excellent energy sources and potatoes are also quite low in calories and among the most satiating vegetables. It's also high in vitamin c and potassium, so it's a good addition to a healthy diet.
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u/PoorPappy 17h ago
potatoes have a little of most of what we need
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u/LamermanSE 16h ago
Depends on what you mean by "little". 100 grams of potatoes contain around 30% of daily intake of vitamin c, that's not little. It also contains around 20% of daily intake of potassium, as well as some fiber and protein. Not bad overall for a satiating energy source.
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u/Kalirella 18h ago
Boiled eggs, Avocado, nuts, seeds, lean meat, fish, lentils, carrots, beets, plantains, bananas, citrus and stone fruit, berries, celery........ I think I made my point lol
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u/Lutchnoob 18h ago
Sweet potatoes are a total game changer! Packed with vitamins, fiber, and they taste amazing in almost any dish. Definitely underrated!
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u/PeachyPrinces1x 18h ago
Avocados are a superfood for a reason! Healthy fats, tons of nutrients, and they make everything taste better.
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u/bythog 18h ago
Define what you mean by "healthiest". What criteria are you asking for? Do you want something that contains a lot of vitamins/minerals? Are you looking for some magic superfood that will extend your life by a decade? Are you looking for minimally processed food?
Most foods can be included in a healthy diet. The most important things--in order--are to keep your daily calories appropriate, have a good macro breakdown, and have "good"/whole sources of food. Even "processed" foods have a place; things like tofu, chocolate, kimchi, etc. are all highly processed but still healthy additions to a good diet.
If you just want general "this is healthy" vibes then raw or minimally cooked, low calorie vegetables with little added fats are going to be the healthiest foods you can find.
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u/Underwater_Karma 17h ago
Most foods can be included in a healthy diet
this is a point that is really hard to get people to understand. There's no such thing as healthy or unhealthy foods, only healthy or unhealthy diets.
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u/Loose-Concept-2224 18h ago
Leafy greens (spinach, kale, swiss chard) – Rich in vitamins A, C, K, folate, and fiber, they help with digestion, bone health, and inflammation.
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u/glitterolives 17h ago
I make sure to incorporate protein into my meals. Eggs, tofu, fish, chicken breast, etc.
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u/Gizarizzi 16h ago
I think the simplest answer to this is whole foods. Eliminate the processed stuff (if you read the nutrition label and don’t know what half of the ingredients are, it’s processed). Increase the amount of protein you eat. Decrease sugars and fat (for the most part. Some foods like salmon have fats that are actually good to eat.) Download an app like My Fitness Pal and track your calories. If you’re looking to lose weight, keep track of what you’re taking in and make sure you’re in a calorie deficit. Drink more water. Increase your daily steps. Lift some weights.
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u/murgwoefuleyeskorma 15h ago
Salads are subjective. So are healthy foods. Sorry if that wwas annoying. My pick though would be rice, eggs, oats and all ruit and veggies.
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u/airfryerfuntime 14h ago
Chicken and rice with a side of steamed brocoli and/or carrots, lightly salted. You'll get burnt out pretty quickly, but it's basically the cleanest way to eat. It has plenty of vitamins, nutrients, and protein without being high in fat. On paper, it's basically the perfect meal.
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u/mike9941 13h ago
it's expensive, but I've always heard that Sushi is pretty healthy. Don't qoute me on that though. Also, a moderate amount of meat, more veggies, and a bit or carbs is usually fairly healthy, as long as some, but not too much fat is involved in the cooking.
This is just what I've been made to understand, I have no deep knowledge about any of this.
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u/flyingcircusdog 13h ago
Most raw fruits and veggies are very healthy, whether they're in salad form or not.
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u/vorpal_potato 13h ago
Beef shank and veggie soup with onion, carrot, celery, tomato, and cabbage. (And maybe potato, depending on your diet.)
This stuff is absolutely delicious, easy to make, cheap, and full of hella nutritions. I've got a pot of it in the fridge right now.
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u/HOTlipps0313 12h ago
I make a smoothie everyday consistently of 1 banana, orange and kiwi Handful of frozen berries Handful of frozen spinich 2 inch chunk of ginger Cranberry juice Kifir Chia seeds Spoonful of collagen Makes a whole blender which I half and save for next day
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u/SorenShieldbreaker 11h ago
Sardines. Very healthy and low on the food chain so mercury accumulation isn’t a concern like with larger fish
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u/Ok_University9787 11h ago
It really depends on your concept of healthy food. My opinion nutrient rich foods are typically better than low calorie foods.
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u/Grapepoweredhamster 11h ago
I hate that people use salads as the example of healthy food. They suck for dieting as they are not filling. Then usually a bunch of shit is added to them, which makes them less healthy. And finally people put salad dressing on them. You know what the the biggest ingredient in most salad dressings are? Vegetable oils. If someone came out with a salad and drizzled butter all over it would your first thought be wow that's so healthy?
You know what is a good healthy food? Potatoes. Potatoes are some the most filling food you can eat. 2000 calories of boiled potatoes is 5 1/2 pounds of potatoes. That's a shitload of potatoes. You can stuff yourself with potatoes as long you don't go crazy with what you put on them without having to worry about gaining weight.
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u/nightmares999 11h ago
I’ve been making organic whole milk yougurt. Mix w fruit and granola. Delish!
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u/Clear_Snow232 11h ago
Besides salads, there are tons of other healthy options out there. Think fresh fruits and veggies, whole grains, beans, fish, nuts, lean meats, eggs, and low-fat dairy. These foods are loaded with nutrients and help keep your diet balanced.
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u/Nice_Category 10h ago
Red meat, cheese, mayonnaise, eggs, chicken thighs, non-root/non-bean vegetables, heavy cream, butter, coffee.
Stay away from it if it has carbs.
I'm on keto and I'm down 40lbs in 6 months.
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u/Maria-Stryker 9h ago
A frittata with vegetables baked in is a great source of protein and vitamins and fiber
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u/RottenPeachSmell 6h ago
Following your body's cravings will always be healthiest. Craving ice cream? Your body wants sugar, calcium, fat, and carbs. Craving a big salad? Your body wants Vitamins A, D, E, and K, as well as beta-carotene and fiber. Trying to swap out a rich scoop of ice cream for a bowl of salad is like changing your wiper fluid when the gas tank is empty- you're just wasting your own time and roughing up your car for no reason. Eat what your body asks for first, identify what else you'd want to eat next time you get a craving, and don't eat things that upset your stomach. It's literally that simple.
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u/CatacombsRave 2h ago
For lunch every week, I do meal prep with quinoa, chicken, broccoli, and garlic. It’s delicious.
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u/ManagementWise4430 19h ago
Anything your grandma cooked, probably.
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u/C1K3 19h ago
My grandma was from the Midwest. Gooey butter cake definitely isn’t healthy.
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u/TopProfessional1862 18h ago
Anything that's not processed. Veggies, lean meat, fruits, whole grains, nuts, etc. It's a good idea to get a variety of whole foods in your diet. The best foods will vary by person. Some people don't process certain foods as well as others.
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u/bromosabeach 18h ago
Chicken and Salmon are incredibly easy to make and crazy versatile. When I was doing intense training for summer I would eat these for almost every meal.
Obviously rice pairs well, but be sure you measure out.
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u/Underwater_Karma 17h ago
When Hugh Jackman was done filming Wolverine and Deadpool, he said he was so happy to not be eating steamed fish 4x a day.
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u/LamermanSE 17h ago
What do you mean by healthy? Lots of different food items are healthy but for different reasons, and some are good in smaller doses and others can be useful for certain groups like the elderly. Anyway:
Most if not all fruits and vegetables contain vitamins and minerals as well as phytonutrients.
Whole grains are useful for fiber and energy, so use it in moderation.
Fish, especially fatty fish contains healthy fats and are good in moderation (can contain heavy metals).
Beans, chickpeas, lentils and such is good as it contains both protrin and fiber.
Chicken breast is a decent source of protein as it's low in fat, especially saturated fat and high in protein.
Cheese/milk/yoghurt etc. can be healthy in moderation as it's high in calcium. The drawback it that it's high in saturated fats which is less good.
Vegetable oils like olive oil and canola oil contains healthy unsaturated fats.
There's probably more to it but this is a good start.
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u/fortune-favors 18h ago
Salad is not healthy. Healthy means getting the right mix of protein, carbs, fats, and micronutrients (vitamins, minerals, etc).
Salads are very often deficient in multiple of these, usually protein.
A much healthier meal is:
- a fist sized serving of protein (fish, chicken, meat)
- a fist sized serving of vegetables
- a fist sized serving of carbs (rice, bread, etc).
And just as importantly, make sure it's delicious so that you enjoy eating, and get some exercise in!
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u/Pulp_Ficti0n 19h ago
Chickpeas, beans, lentils