Satisfy your cravings

Go-to foods that might surprise you

Last week, I gave a quick rundown of some of the studies that prove what I’ve been saying for decades. A diet rich in MUFAs (monounsaturated fatty acids) is the best way to lose weight and keep it off.

Today, I want to switch gears a bit and focus on some of the particular foods that I recommend. The ones that get the most eyebrow raises when a patient comes to see me for the first time. Because unfortunately, they’ve been duped by the mainstream mantra. They think because these foods are high in fat, they must be unhealthy.

But nothing could be further from the truth!

In fact, these are some of my go-to foods that can satisfy just about any craving. Whether you’re longing for something creamy, salty, crunchy or sweet.

So let’s begin with the food everyone loves to hate–the avocado.

For years, health nuts have been extolling the benefits of this delicious food. Much to the dismay of the so-called mainstream nutrition “experts.” Who are mostly low-fatters. But now there’s scientific evidence that proves this rich, creamy delicacy IS good for us. And it shouldn’t be relegated to the hippies from the health food store any longer.

Not only is avocado a great source of the MUFAs I told you about last week…it’s also full of folate (which helps lower heart attack risk). Not to mention lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta carotene–antioxidants that help promote eye health, protect from cancer, and more.

Next on my list of favorite foods are olives (that’s olives–not olive oil). Olives are rich in vitamin E, copper, and iron which help protect your nerves, thyroid gland, and connective tissue.

Of course, I’ve already mentioned the next food on my list many times in the Reality Health Check. But no discussion of misunderstood foods is complete without talking about nuts.

Walnuts are apparently the nut of choice this week. But no matter what kind you choose, you really can’t go wrong. Almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, pine nuts, pistachios–they’re all good. It’s a proven fact that people who eat more nuts have a lower risk of metabolic syndrome, which is just one step away from prediabetes, then diabetes.

Plus, nuts are full of fiber, protein, iron, zinc, B vitamins, and other nutrients. They help protect your heart, lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and keep you feeling full.

But there is just one small catch–it’s easy to overdo it. So make sure you’re not eating more than 20 nuts per day.

And last–but certainly not least–on my list is one to keep in mind tonight…as you’re picking up that last-minute Valentine’s Day gift: Dark chocolate.

Chocolate is packed with antioxidants that help keep arteries flexible and help raise “good” HDL cholesterol. It t can also lower blood pressure. Enough to cut the risk of stroke by up to 8 percent and heart attack by 5 percent, according to a small German study. Just be sure to get at least 80% cacao content if you want the health benefit.