Bring on the naughty! Bad foods that are good for you…

Drink your milk. Eat your broccoli. Yeah, yeah… we all know that. But the naughty foods are just SO much more fun. Good news! I did some research and it turns out that some of our favorite guilty pleasures are actually good for us!

• Coffee: Go ahead and savor each sip of your morning joe. It turns out, coffee has been linked to a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, some cancers and stroke.  Trying to lose weight? Coffee been shown to boost metabolism. Plus, it helps ward off depression

• Peanut Butter: Yeah, it’s got a lot of fat – 16 grams per 2 tbsp, to be exact. BUT, it’s the good fat — the heart-healthy monounsaturated fat. It’s also loaded with fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals. If possible, try to stick to the versions that contain less sugar.

• Dark Chocolate: We women love our chocolate.  So, go for it! Just keep it dark. A potent antioxidant, dark chocolate is high in flavenoids, which is thought to provide anti-microbial, anti-cancer and cardiovascular benefits. Once study even found that those who consumed dark chocolate on a regular basis saw lower blood sugar levels and better cholesterol ratios. You don’t have to tell me twice!

• Beef: Over the past few years, I’ve been keeping my beef consumption to a minimum, thinking it’s doing bad stuff to my heart. Well, that is still true of the fattier cuts.  But now experts say that the leaner cuts of beef are actually a great low-fat source of high-quality protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins. Bring on the filet mignon!

• Ice Cream: Okay, so it’s a bit on fattening side. BUT, as far as fattening foods go, this one is among the better ones.  It’s a great source of calcium and protein. It’s low on the glycemic index, which means it has less of an effect on your blood sugar levels. It’s also a good source of vitamins A, B-12, D and K. Just don’t go overboard here or you’ll make an enemy of your scale.

• Red Wine: This mommy-must-have is linked to good heart health. It’s high in antioxidants and may help to increase good cholesterol levels. Plus, the resveratrol found in red wine is thought to help prevent damage to blood vessles, reduce bad cholesterol levels and prevent blood clots.

• Egg Yolks: Though high in cholesterol, egg yolks are no longer widely believed to contribute to heart disease. Experts now say that trans and saturated fats are the culprits, not cholesterol. Eggs are an excellent source of protein and are rich in vitamins and minerals. They’re all sorts of good for your brain, muscles, hair and eyes.

• Canadian Bacon: With only 2 grams of fat and 52 calories per ounce, Canadian bacon is a lean protein source that can actually aid in weight loss efforts.  A recent study revealed that those who followed a diet rich in lean protein maintained a leaner body mass than those who followed a low calorie, low protein diet. Can’t resist that Mickey D’s breakfast? The Egg McMuffin is the way to go!

• Cheese: While most people avoid cheese when trying to lose weight, studies show that calcium-rich foods help your body burn more fat. Whether it’s milk, yogurt or cheese, have at it! Just be sure to stick to the lower-fat versions.

Everything in moderation! Keep your portion size under control and you can guiltlessly indulge in these goodies.

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Want to see more like this? See other Posts on nutrition.

Looking for ideas on how to eat better? See How to Eat Healthy Without Noticing: A Non-Dieter’s Guide to Eating Better.