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From white potatoes to tofu, frozen vegetables and even bread, nutritionists debunk myths that certain foods are “bad for you.”
- A Sydney nutritionist has discovered which foods are healthier than you think
- Rebecca Gawthorne, 33, listed the foods people think are “bad for you” but aren’t
- She said white potatoes are filling, nutritious and a healthy source of carbohydrates
- Wholemeal bread is rich in nutrients and fiber, says the 33-year-old
- Other healthy foods included tofu, canned lentils, dried fruit, and canned beans
A leading Australian nutritionist has revealed her favorite foods that many believe are unhealthy but are actually good for you.
Rebecca Gawthorne shared a “Come Shop With Me” video with her 155,000 Instagram followers, listing the foods that are healthy but still get a bad rap, including white potatoes, frozen vegetables and whole wheat bread.
“These foods tend to have a negative reputation but are actually very nutritious!” the Sydney mum wrote in the caption.
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Sydney dietitian Rebecca Gawthorne (pictured) has busted the myth that certain ‘bad’ foods like bread, potatoes, dried fruit and tofu are bad for you
The 33-year-old said white potatoes are a healthy source of carbohydrates, nutrients and prebiotics when cooked and refrigerated, while frozen vegetables are just as nutritious as fresh
White potatoes are often considered one of the unhealthier vegetables because of their high carbohydrate and starch content, but Rebecca said they are “filling and nutritious”.
“They are a healthy source of carbohydrates, other nutrients, and a good source of prebiotics when cooked and refrigerated,” she wrote.
While there are some over-processed breads that aren’t very good for you, Rebecca said whole grains have many nutritional benefits.
“Whole wheat bread is an excellent source of slow-burning carbohydrates, rich in nutrients and a good source of fiber for healthy digestion,” she explained.
The 33-year-old nutritionist said frozen vegetables are a convenient alternative to fresh produce, and because they’re quick-frozen, they retain almost the same amount of nutrients.
She said traditional dried fruit doesn’t contain added sugars, as many think, and that canned beans and lentils are “very versatile sources of plant-based protein, fiber and minerals.”
“Tofu is a great source of plant-based protein and doesn’t alter hormones like many claim,” Rebecca said.
“Also high in calcium if you choose the ones set with calcium (look for Calcium Sulfate 516 on the ingredients).”
Traditional dried fruit, says Rebecca, has no added sugar and is a convenient alternative to fresh fruit, which is packed with nutrients.
Rebecca said canned lentils and beans are a “very versatile source of plant-based protein, fiber and minerals,” and that frozen berries are great substitutes for fresh berries that are out of season or too expensive.
“They’re high in vitamins, fiber and other beneficial plant compounds,” she said.
Finally, Rebecca busted the myth that fresh fruit can be high in sugar, saying it’s been shown to help maintain a healthy weight.
“It’s a good source of natural sugars along with many other vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants,” she said.
Rebecca Gawthorne shares the foods that are healthier than you think
1. Frozen Vegetables – A convenient alternative to fresh vegetables. Quickly frozen so they retain almost the same nutrients, and in some cases like spinach, nutrients as fresh vegetables
Foods that are healthier than you think
2. Tofu – A great source of plant-based protein and doesn’t alter hormones as many claim. Also high in calcium if you choose the calcium-fortified ones (look for calcium sulfate 516 on the ingredients).
3. Dried Fruit – Traditional dried fruit has no added sugar and is a convenient alternative to fresh fruit that is rich in many nutrients.
4. Whole Wheat Bread – is an excellent source of slow-burning carbohydrates, high in nutrients and a good source of fiber for healthy digestion.
5. Canned Lentils – convenient and very versatile source of plant-based protein, fiber and many vitamins and minerals.
6. Frozen Berries – Excellent alternative to fresh berries, especially when they’re out of season or too expensive. Rich in vitamins, fiber and other beneficial plant compounds.
7. White Potatoes – filling and nutritious. They’re a healthy source of carbohydrates, other nutrients, and a good source of prebiotics when cooked and refrigerated.
8. Fresh Fruit – Doesn’t contain too much sugar and has been shown to help maintain a healthy weight. Good source of natural sugars along with many other vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants.
Many of Rebecca’s fans in the comments were grateful for the helpful nutritional tips.
‘Yes!! Potatoes, bread & fruit in any case. Thanks for clearing up nutritional misinformation, Rebecca!’ shouted a follower.
‘All of them! Especially bread. Bread gets so much hate. Makes me sad,” wrote another.
“Yes, white potatoes are healthy. The hype that they’re nothing is killing me,” commented a third.
“Not many people realize how healthy some of these products actually are — especially frozen veggies,” said another.
