12 Foods You’re Eating Wrong
Would you believe you may have been preparing and eating some of your favorite foods the wrong way? It happens. We’re creatures of habit and food habits are hard to break, especially if you’ve grown up with them or they’ve been passed down through generations.
In this article, we will talk you through some of the most common food mistakes we make and how to make sure you enjoy your food to the fullest. Sometimes it’s not about what you’re eating, but how you’re eating it, from everyday snacks to more complicated dishes. Get ready to have your mind blown with small tweaks that could make your meal tastier and healthier.
Oranges
Many people peel oranges, eat them, and toss out the peel without realizing they’re throwing away a good amount of fiber. Instead, try eating the whole orange, with some of the white pith, which is rich in flavonoids that protect heart health. Including this part also gives you an extra dose of fiber to help keep things flowing in your digestive system.
Eggs
Eggs are often touted as an easy breakfast, but how you cook them can change the health benefits. Vitamins such as B12 and folate, which are important to your body’s energy production, can be destroyed if you overcook your eggs. Instead, try cooking your eggs on low heat, or gently boiling them. It will help keep the nutrients and give you a creamy, satisfying texture.
Tomatoes
Every day we see tomatoes as a versatile, nutritious addition to salads, pastas, and sandwiches, but did you know that tomatoes may actually be better for you when cooked? The American Heart Association says cooking tomatoes raises the levels of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant also associated with heart health. That means, instead of munching on raw tomatoes, you can toss them in a hot pan or roast in the oven to enjoy their health benefits to the full.
Lettuce
We love a good salad, but you’re probably washing your lettuce wrong. Most people rinse it under cold water and chuck it in a bowl, but this doesn’t always kill the bacteria or get rid of dirt, and it can leave your lettuce soggy. Soak the leaves in a bowl of cold water with a little vinegar for a cleaner, crisper salad to help remove lingering pesticides. Ensure the leaves are thoroughly dry after soaking so that the dressing isn’t watered down.
Nuts
Most of us love to eat nuts straight from the bag, assuming that’s the easiest way to eat them. The truth is, however, there’s a good chance you’re missing out on their potential health benefits by doing so. Raw nuts contain enzyme inhibitors, which sometimes cause digestive discomfort when eaten raw. These enzymes are easier to digest if you roast them lightly or soak them overnight. It also brings out their nutty flavor!
Cereal
Most people add their milk after they’ve poured their cereal, but that could mean soggy cereal. It might seem strange to pour the milk first, but it helps you regulate how much milk you use and keeps the cereal crispy for longer. It is also best to avoid sugar-laden cereals and go for whole-grain options with added fiber and protein. It will help you prevent that sugar crash mid-morning.
Bananas
While bananas are one of the most convenient snacks, many people eat them at the wrong time. If you’ve been eating them as soon as they ripen, you may not be getting the full benefit of them. According to research, the sugars in ripe bananas are also higher and can spike your blood sugar levels. If you eat bananas before they ripen, the sugars will be released more slowly. An unripe fruit has more resistant starch, which is better for your gut.
Cabbage
Whether eating cabbage slaw raw or shredded and put into a dish, it can be hard to digest if you don’t know how to prepare it right. This veggie is best cooked lightly—steamed or stir-fried. It breaks down the fiber, which is easier on your digestive system. Raw cabbage can also make you bloat, especially if you have a sensitive stomach. If you feel a little heavy after that cabbage salad, it’s not your imagination.
Yogurt
Probiotics are found in plain yogurt, but if you’re not eating it the right way, you’re probably not getting some of the good bacteria that help your gut. Many people mix their yogurt into a smoothie or bowl, which can break down those good bacteria. Rather, eat it right from the container, and add in fruit or honey for added flavor. This also helps to preserve the live cultures and makes sure you’re getting the benefits.
Avocados
Scooping out an avocado and tossing the pit in the trash might cost you more than you think. Researchers say the pit contains antioxidant compounds that may help keep the heart healthy and reduce cholesterol. You don’t have to eat the pit, but you can dry it, grind it into a powder, and add small amounts to smoothies or salad dressings. This way, you can use every part of this creamy fruit and add extra nutrition.
Peanut Butter
We are accustomed to thrusting our spoon into the jar of peanut butter, but there’s a skill in spreading it on. Natural peanut butter separates the oil, so if you don’t stir it before use, you might not get all the flavor and texture. If you have a jar that’s too hard to stir, turn it upside down for a few hours. It keeps the oil settling evenly, and you get a smoother, easier spread.
Potatoes
If you’ve been boiling your potatoes, you might want to rethink your approach. Most people just throw potatoes into a pot of water like they would any other vegetable. When boiled, they can lose nutrients, particularly vitamin C. Steaming or baking them instead will give you a richer and fuller flavor. Baking potatoes with the skin on preserves the nutritional value and improves texture — it’s crisp and satisfying.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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