7 Healthy Foods to Indulge in While Dieting ...

Jennifer

While for some, dieting is about deprivation, for me, it’s all about perspective and a few simple swaps — which unhealthy foods to purge, and which healthy foods to indulge in. That’s right, I used the words “indulge” and “diet” in the same sentence! And it’s true. A diet can be all about indulging, if you’re doing it right. Are you intrigued? Keep reading. Here are 7 healthy foods to indulge in while you’re dieting.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

Please subscribe for your personalized newsletter:

1. Fruit Smoothies

If they’re made properly, real fruit smoothies are definitely one of the best healthy foods to indulge in, even if you’re not dieting! They’re made with real fruit and non-fat or low-fat Greek yoghurt, which means they’re loaded with fiber, antioxidants, and even a little protein for good measure, keeping you full and happy for hours, while satisfying your sweet tooth.

2. Salads

As long as they’re not topped with dressings and ingredients that add unnecessary fat and calories, salads are another one of my favorite diet indulgences. And yes, they can be very satisfying and, dare I say it, fun to eat! Top with beans, dried fruit, or low-fat cheese crumbles. Yum!

Frequently asked questions

3. Baked Chicken

A girl can’t live on greens alone, and it’s important to have some protein in your diet, so why not indulge in some chicken? Avoid breaded or fried chicken, or chicken that’s swimming in a fattening dressing or marinade, and opt for something grilled with lemon and pepper, instead.

4. Whole Grain Bread

I’m a carb fanatic, so I always indulge in bread and other baked goods whenever I can get my hungry little hands on them. The trick, of course, is to ditch the (literally) bleached processed baked goods and choose something made from healthy, hearty whole grains instead. They’re tastier, healthier, and will keep you feeling full and satisfied a lot longer than white bread.

5. Baked Potatoes

Who knew baked potatoes (with the skin) were so healthy? They’re so good for you, in fact, that you can indulge in one with a little dollop of butter or sour cream and still tip the judgment scales at “healthy.” They’re low in calories (even with a little butter) and contain lots of Vitamin C (about half of what you need in one day) and potassium. Wow!

Related Videos about

6. Leafy Greens

Oh, how I love leafy greens, above and beyond making a salad! They’re also delicious cooked! I add them into soups and pasta dishes, and of course, to salad. Spinach and kale and chard, oh my! Visit your local library and look for cookbooks that specialize in leafy greens... you'll be surprised how many there are!

7. Fish

Like chicken, fish is an excellent source of lean protein, but with a bonus: heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Avoid larger fish, swordfish, and choose smaller fish, since they tend to be less contaminated with mercury. Again, like chicken, fish is most healthy if it’s baked or grilled, not fried. It’s also healthier without fattening tartar sauce — one serving can contain up to 140 calories. That’s a lot when you consider that a good-sized serving of cod contains only 90 calories!

It’s completely possible to diet but still enjoy so many tasty foods! I especially love fruit smoothies and “loaded” salads, but which of these delicious but nutritious indulgences do you like best? Or is there something else you treat yourself to I ought to know about?

Feedback Junction

Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

i am 10 yrs old i need too loose 17 pounds plz i need help!

Hi, I am 22 years old going on 23 in November. My weight is 221.2 lb and I was wondering how I can loose about 21 pounds. Also, I love eating baked potatoes and I was wondering if a bacon and cheese potato is good to eat or not.

I'm trying to eat fish, whole wheat bread and salads, and I'm definitely going to try fruit smoothies :)

Related Topics

8 Ways to Be Better at Dieting ... 7 Tips on How to Recover from a Food Binge ... 7 Ways to Make Healthy Pasta ... 9 Tips for Dealing with Fussy Eaters ... 8 Smart Ways to Survive the Holidays without Gaining Weight ... 7 Tips on How to Add More Whole Grains to Your Diet ... 8 Tips for Handling Emotinal Eating ... 7 Ways to Add More Fiber to Your Diet ... 7 Ways to Tell Your Diet is Working ... 7 Tips to Stay Motivated to Be Healthy ...