Tastiest and Healthiest Foods to Eat – Part 2
What are the healthiest foods to eat? There has been a lot of hype of organic, paleo, raw, vegan, gluten free, and so on. But not everyone needs to cut gluten out of their diet and certainly not everyone can make the commitment to go vegan. It’s all about finding the diet that works best for you. You have already seen our Part 1 of the list of some of the world’s healthiest foods, along with their benefits.
eggs">Eggs
Eggs, being the common ingredient in avocado recipes, are another food that has been debated as being bad for you, but actually they are among the healthiest foods to eat as they are high in vitamins, protein and amino acids. Scrambled, poached, over-easy, hard boiled... eggs are also extremely versatile! Try California-Style Fried Egg Avocado Toast if you wish to enjoy some healthy snacks today. This toast is perfect for breakfast.California-Style Fried Egg Avocado Toast
Photo and recipe by Whole and Heavenly Oven
- Diced ripe avocados (2)
- Pepper and salt
- Sliced tomato (1)
- Vegetable oil (1 or 2 tbsp)
- Fresh parsley, minced (2 tbsp)
- Lime, squeezed (1/2)
- Toasted bread (4 slices)
- Sliced sweet pepper (1)
- Eggs (4)
grains">Grains
Grains have also been one of the most controversial food fads over the years. Whole grain is beneficial for those who can tolerate grains. And for those who are gluten intolerant, there are plenty of gluten free grains, as well. Of course, everything in moderation, as grains are high in carbohydrates. But adding a small portion of healthy grains to your daily diet is extremely beneficial.Brown Rice
Brown rice is high in fiber as well as magnesium and Vitamin B1.
You’ll love Brown Rice Stir-Fry with Vegetables due to its exceptional taste. Besides, this vegan recipe is really healthy and not difficult to make.
Brown Rice Stir-Fry with Vegetables
Photo and recipe by Simple Vegan Blog
- Brown rice (1/2 cup)
- Broccoli (1/2 head)
- Zucchini (1/2)
- Garlic (4 cloves)
- Red chili pepper (1)
- Sesame seeds (if desired)
- Red cabbage (1cup)
- Red bell pepper (1/2)
- Olive oil, extra virgin (2 tbsp)
- Fresh parsley (1 handful)
- Soy sauce (2 tbsp)
First, follow the package instructions to prepare brown rice. Next, take a wok, boil water in it and add vegetables. Wait for 1 to 2 minutes, and drain the vegetables. Then take a wok and heat the olive oil. Add parsley, chili pepper and garlic and wait for 1 to 2 minutes. Do not forget to stir from time to time. Next, add rice, soy sauce, and vegetables and wait again for 1 to 2 minutes. If desired, top with sesame seeds. Serve and enjoy!
Oats
Oats are loaded with nutrients as well as fiber. Steel oats are gluten free and an excellent source of fiber.
If you want to have something tasty and super-filling that will boost your energy, make No Bake Peanut Butter Coconut Bites. You will need only 6 ingredients that can be found in any store.
No Bake Peanut Butter Coconut Bites
Photo and recipe by Beaming Baker
- Unsweetened coconut, shredded (3/4 cup)
- Ground flaxseed (1/4 cup)
- Peanut butter, unsalted (3/4 cup)
- Rolled oats, gluten-free (3/4 cup)
- Chopped peanuts or raisins or chocolate chips (1/4 cup)
- Maple syrup, pure (1/4 cup)
Take a bowl and mix coconut, flaxseed, peanuts, and oats. Then take another bowl and whisk maple syrup and peanut butter. Pour the latter mixture over the former mixture. Fold together with the help of a spatula until combined. Roll the mixture into small bites and serve.
Quinoa
Quinoa is high in fiber, protein, magnesium, zinc and iron. And yes, it is a fad at the moment, but this is rightly so, as it is full of amino acids, naturally gluten free and extremely low on the glycemic index.
Due to its bright flavor, Cilantro-Lime Black Bean Quinoa Salad is something that is definitely worth trying. It is fun, light, and quite refreshing.
Cilantro-Lime Black Bean Quinoa Salad
Photo and recipe by Simply Quinoa
- Cooked and cooled quinoa (3 cups)
- Chopped fresh cilantro (1/2 cup)
- Chili sea salt (2 tsp)
- Black beans (1 can)
- Lime, zest and juice (1)
Take a bowl and combine all the ingredients. You can either refrigerate the salad for some time or serve at once.
nuts_and_seeds">Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds are high in healthy fats and contain a high amount of fiber. They can actually help you lose weight and are an excellent crunchy snack.
Almonds
Almonds are loaded with fiber, antioxidants and magnesium.
Chocolate, sea salt, almonds, and turbinado sugar combine in the perfect healthy dessert that is easy to make – Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Almonds. This snack has the unique taste, sweet and salty at the same time.
Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Almonds
Photo and recipe by Sallys Baking Addiction
- Semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate (6 oz)
- Sea salt
- Unsalted and raw whole almonds (1.5 cups)
- Turbinado sugar
Take a baking sheet and line it with a baking mat, preferably silicone. Melt chocolate, using either a microwave or a double boiler. The chocolate must become smooth. Next, stir almonds in chocolate. Each almond must be coated with chocolate. Then take a fork to put almonds out. It is better to put out one almond at a time. Otherwise, they will stick together. Next, place almonds on a baking mat and sprinkle with turbinado sugar and sea salt. Finally, refrigerate for the chocolate to set. The treat can be refrigerated for no longer than 1 month.
Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are an excellent source of fiber, calcium and magnesium and have recently become one of the healthiest foods to eat.
Add chia seeds to almond milk and coconut milk, mix it thoroughly, and you will get healthy, gelatinous textured pudding. This filling dessert is rich in fiber and tastes better with honey, almonds, and fresh berries on top.
Chia Seeds Pudding
Photo by TasteSpotting. Recipe by Alina Gonzalez
- Almond milk (1/4 cup)
- Chia seeds (2 tbsp)
- Coconut milk (1/3 can)
Take a single-serve jar and put all the ingredients inside and shake it. Next, wait for about 30 minutes till the chia seeds expand and top with almonds, fresh berries, and honey. Enjoy!
Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts are a great source of fiber and monounsaturated fats.
Spend several minutes to make Toffee Glazed Macadamia Nuts. Its taste is so great that you will become addicted to this snack.
Toffee Glazed Macadamia Nuts
Photo and recipe by Cookies and Cups
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup)
- Salted butter (2 tbsp)
- Sea salt, flaked (1/2 tsp)
- Honey (1/8 cup)
- Macadamia nuts (1.5 cups)
Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with a silicone baking mat. Next, take a nonstick skillet and heat butter, brown sugar, and honey on medium heat. While waiting till it boils, stir it. When the mixture boils, stir in macadamia nuts. Cook for about five minutes, stirring all the time. The nuts must become a little toasted. Next, place nuts on a baking sheet and refrigerate for the nuts to cool down. After cooling, break the nuts apart. Serve and enjoy! The nuts can be stored in an air-proof container for no longer than two weeks.
seafood">Seafood
Seafood is high in omega-3 fatty acids and iodine. Studies have indicated that those who eat seafood and fish at least twice a week have a lower risk for dementia, depression, high cholesterol and heart disease.
Salmon
Salmon is rich in protein and Omega-3 fatty acids as well as Vitamin D.
It won’t take much time to cook Honey Garlic Butter Salmon in Foil. Salmon baked in the foil becomes extremely tender and juicy.
Honey Garlic Butter Salmon in Foil
Photo and recipe by Cafe Delites
- Butter (1/4 cup)
- Crushed garlic (4 cloves)
- Salmon fillet (2.5 pound)
- Cracked pepper (if desired)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (2 tbsp)
- Honey (1/3 cup)
- Lemon juice, fresh (2 tbsp)
- Sea salt
- Lemon slices
First, the oven must be preheated to 375 degrees F. Next, prepare a baking sheet by lining it with foil. Mind that the foil must be large in order to wrap and seal the salmon fillet. Take a saucepan and melt butter in it. Add lemon, garlic, and honey, and whisk till honey melts and the mixture becomes homogenous. Next, take the prepared baking sheet and place salmon on it. Pour the mixture of lemon, butter, garlic, and honey over it. Spread the mixture evenly with the help of a spoon. Sprinkle with cracked pepper and salt. Then wrap salmon with foil and seal it. Ensure that butter won’t leak. Bake for fifteen to eighteen minutes. When the fish is cooked through, take it out of the oven. To make its top caramelized, grill it for about two to three minutes with the foil open. Finally, sprinkle with parsley, top with lemon slices, and serve.
Shellfish
Shellfish is an excellent source of lean protein. Shellfish includes lobster, crab, shrimp, mussels and clams.
Wood-Fired Shellfish is the ideal dish for treating your guests. It will be ready in about half an hour. Serve it with fresh bread.
Wood-Fired Shellfish
Photo and recipe by Jamie's world
- Mixed seafood, for example, clams, prawns, scallops, and mussels (4.5 pound)
- Sea salt
- Lemon (2)
- Chopped fresh herbs, for example, parsley, tarragon, mint
- Peeled garlic (2 cloves)
- Black pepper, freshly ground
- Olive oil, extra virgin
A wood-fired oven must be fired up 1 or 2 hours before starting to cook. The oven is ready for cooking when the temperature is 350 degrees F and there is no flame and smoke. First, clean the shellfish. Next, take a pestle and mortar garlic, grated lemon zest, and sea salt. When the mixture is creamy, stir in olive oil and black pepper. It will be the dressing. Next, take a roasting tray and tip the seafood in it. Drizzle it with some dressing, toss together and spread out the seafood. The seafood layer must be even. Add halved lemons and put the tray in the oven. Roast for about ten minutes. The scallops and prawns must become golden, and the shells must open. The tray can be rotated to ensure the even cooking. Finally, scatter with herbs and serve immediately.
Tuna
Tuna is low in both fat and calories and high in protein.
The super quick Perfect Tuna Melt is packed with delicious flavor. This dish is perfect for dinner or lunch, especially when you don’t have much time to cook.
Perfect Tuna Melt
Photo and recipe by Sarah Titus
- Tuna, drained (2 cans)
- Chopped celery (1/2 stalk)
- Chopped parsley (1 tbsp)
- Olive oil (3 tbsp)
- Sliced bread
- Pepper and salt
- Chopped onion (1)
- Minced garlic (1 clove)
- Mayonnaise (3-4 tbsp)
- Shredded mozzarella (1/3 cup)
- Softened butter
First, take tuna and put it into a bowl. Add parsley, mozzarella cheese, onion, mayonnaise, garlic, olive oil, and celery. Mix thoroughly and add pepper and salt. Next, take a nonstick skillet, pour olive oil (1 tbsp). Spread some butter on slices of bread (only one side) and arrange them in the skillet. While the slices are still browning, scoop tuna salad (2 tbsp) with a spoon and top them. Cover with more buttered on one side slices of bread. Cook until the buttered sides of bread become golden brown. Finally, set the dish on a paper towel and let it cool a little before serving.
vegetables">Vegetables
Vegetables are one of the lowest in calories and fats foods and most vegetables can be consumed raw. They are an excellent source of many essential vitamins and nutrients as well as fiber.
Asparagus
Asparagus is low in carbs and is an excellent source of Vitamin K.
Being packed with great flavor, Roasted Garlic Parmesan Asparagus is very easy and quick to make. Eat it as a snack or a side dish and enjoy its awesome taste.
Roasted Garlic Parmesan Asparagus
Photo and recipe by Realhousemoms
- Olive oil (3 tbsp)
- Fresh asparagus (1 lb)
- Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (1/3 cup)
- Minced garlic (8 cloves)
- Pepper and salt
The oven must be preheated to 400 degrees F. Take a saucepan and heat oil on medium-low. Then cook garlic for three minutes and stir continuously. It must become golden brown. Stir in asparagus and make sure it is evenly coated. Next, place the mixture on a baking sheet. After sprinkling it with salt, parmesan cheese and pepper, bake it for about 12 minutes. Serve and enjoy!
Broccoli
Broccoli is full of proteins, fiber and Vitamins C and K.
Roasted Parmesan Broccoli side dish can be cooked in just half an hour. Don’t forget to dust it with lemon zest after removing it from the oven.
Roasted Parmesan Broccoli
Photo and recipe by TASTE AND SEE
- Sliced broccoli (1 head)
- Pepper and salt (1 tsp)
- Parmesan cheese (2 tbsp)
- Olive oil (3-4 tbsp)
- Sliced garlic (4 cloves)
- Red pepper flakes
- Lemon zest (1/2)
The oven must be preheated to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place broccoli on it. Sprinkle with olive oil, salt, red pepper flakes, and pepper. Then toss it gently. The roasting time is ten minutes. Afterwards, add garlic and bake for six more minutes. Next, sprinkle with parmesan cheese and bake for two more minutes. When the dish is ready, scatter it with lemon zest. Serve and enjoy!
Cauliflower
Cauliflower is fast becoming a popular substitute for both potatoes and rice. It is extremely versatile and is an excellent source of vitamins and fiber.
Low-Carb Cauliflower Creamed spinach is a very delicious side dish, especially to those who love the taste of spinach. The dish can be made in just 15 minutes.
Low-Carb Cauliflower Creamed Spinach
Photo and recipe by LIVINGCHIRPY
- Baby spinach (5 oz)
- Diced onion (1)
- Cream (2 tbsp)
- Nutmeg (1/2 tsp)
- Pepper and salt
- Cauliflower (1 head)
- Shredded mozzarella (1/2 cup)
- Butter (1 tbsp)
- Ground cloves (1 pinch)
First, the broiler must be turned on. Take a pot, pour water and boil it. Add cauliflower and boil for about ten minutes. When it is ready, it must be scooped in a food processor. Add butter and cream and blitz until smooth. Sprinkle with pepper and salt. Prepare other ingredients before the cauliflower is done. Sauté onion and butter till it becomes soft and stir in ground cloves, spinach, and nutmeg. When the mixture is wilted, combine it with the cooked cauliflower and cheese. Next, transfer it to a baking dish and cook under the broiler till the cheese becomes golden brown. Enjoy!
Kale
Kale has become one of the most popular superfoods in recent years as it is extremely rich in vitamins, nutrients and fiber.
If you have time, try Slow Cooker Tomato, Kale and Quinoa Soup – a healthy, comforting, low in calories, and nourishing dish. It is ready in 8 hours, but the result is worth waiting for so long.
Slow Cooker Tomato, Kale and Quinoa Soup
Photo and recipe by damndelicious
- Rinsed uncooked quinoa (1 cup)
- Rinsed beans (1 can 15 oz)
- Minced garlic (3 cloves)
- Basil, dried (1/2 tsp)
- Thyme, dried (1/4 tsp)
- Vegetable broth (4 cups)
- Chopped kale (1 pound)
- Petite tomatoes, diced (2 cans 14.5 oz)
- Diced onion (1)
- Oregano, dried (1/2 tsp)
- Rosemary, dried (1/4 tsp)
- Bay leaves (2)
- Pepper and salt
Put quinoa, beans, oregano, tomatoes, bay leaves, rosemary, onion, thyme, basil, and garlic in a slow cooker. Add water (2 cups) and vegetable broth. Mix thoroughly and add pepper and salt. Cover with a lid and cook for about seven to eight hours over low heat or three to four hours over high heat. Next, add kale and wait till it is wilted. Serve at once.
Spinach
For years, spinach has been known as one of the healthiest foods to eat. It is an excellent source of fiber, iron and protein.
For example, cook Lemon Sautéed Spinach. You will need the easiest ingredients: baby spinach, garlic, lemon, pine nuts, olive oil, and pepper and salt. Enjoy and stay healthy!
Lemon Sautéed Spinach
Photo and recipe by Dinner with the Rollos
- Baby spinach (1 bag)
- Chopped garlic (3 cloves)
- Lemon (1)
- Pine nuts (1/4 cup)
- Olive oil (1 tbsp)
- Pepper and salt
First, a sauté pan must be preheated on medium heat for about two to three minutes. Pour olive oil. Add some baby spinach. The spinach will shrink, so don’t worry if the bag does not fit in the pan at once. Stir constantly and keep adding spinach. When all spinach is inside, cook it till it becomes limp and soft. Next, add pine nuts and chopped garlic. When pine nuts and garlic become slightly browned, season it with pepper and salt. Finally, sprinkle with some lemon juice and serve.
FAQ: Healthiest Foods To Eat
What is the number 1 healthiest food in the world?
Dark greens like kale or spinach are excellent foods to contribute to your health. Spinach contains such necessary elements like iron, potassium, magnesium. Kale is rich in vitamin A and calcium, which promotes bone growth and improves immune system while boosting energy and keeping sugar levels low.
What is the healthiest meal to eat?
Meal that contains unprocessed meat has a high nutritious value and health benefits. Lean beef is not only a source of protein; it also contains iron. Lamb is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids. Lastly, chicken breast is perfect for maintaining low-carb diet but keeping your protein high.
