15 Surprisingly Healthy Foods

A healthy diet doesn't have to be boring.

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Some foods that may seem like guilty pleasures can be good for you. What matters is how you prepare them and how often they’re on your table. Take pasta: It’s low in fat and salt and keeps you satisfied longer, so you’re less likely to snack or overeat. But watch what you put on it. If you cover it in a rich alfredo sauce, you can boost the fat and salt. Try some wholegrain pasta with olive oil and a bit of Parmesan instead.

Red Meat

It has to be the right kind: We’re not talking prime rib or greasy hamburgers. Lean red meat when you can see -- is a great source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, niacin, zinc, and iron. And in small portions, it’s been shown to lower LDL, the "bad" cholesterol.

Popcorn

Junk food, right? Not so much. It’s a whole grain that’s loaded with fiber, which helps fill you up and keeps you regular. It also has vitamin B, manganese, and magnesium, as well as antioxidants, which may protect you against disease and cell damage. The key to keeping it healthy is to go easy on the salt and butter.

Honey

This natural sweetener is full of antioxidants that can protect your cells and be good for inflammation. It also can help with the mix of bacteria in your gut, which is important for digestion and getting nutrients from food.

Peanut Butter