A healthy diet doesn’t have to be bland, and you may be surprised to learn that certain food staples in your refrigerator and pantry are quite good for you. Those frozen vegetables you have in your freezer? Don’t be so quick to toss them out for fresh corn on the cob or carrot sticks.

Likewise, if you live with a bunch of picky eaters or if your family is trying to be more health-conscious, these six foods may be just what you’re looking for.

If your family is trying to be more health-conscious, these surprisingly healthy foods may be just what you’re looking for.

1. Avocados

Did you know that avocados are actually a fruit? They’re a type of berry, to be exact. Some of the health benefits of avocados include:

Heart-healthy
Improved vision
Possibly aid in preventing osteoporosis
Perhaps help prevent cancer
Reduces symptoms of depression
Aids digestion of food

If your body is lacking specific essential vitamins, avocados are a great source of vitamins C, E, K, and B6, as well as magnesium, potassium, and omega-3. Studies have also shown that avocados contain healthy fats that curb your appetite, aid in weight loss, and help stabilize your blood glucose levels.

Your family will love helping you make homemade guacamole to throw over grilled chicken or substitute avocado for butter and sugary jams on multi-grain toast.

2. Frozen Vegetables

It’s a myth that frozen vegetables aren’t as healthy as the vegetables found in the produce section. In fact, they’re picked at peak freshness and packaged immediately. That means they remain jam-packed with all the necessary nutrients your body needs.

Because they’re frozen soon after gathering, they may contain even more vitamins and minerals than vegetables that are shipped, stored, and eventually bought from the vegetable stands at the store.

Buying frozen vegetables may be convenient for quick stir fry dinners or side dishes, but watch out for pesky added calories. Opt for unseasoned and unbuttered frozen vegetables and add your own oils and spices to them at home.

3. Whole Milk

Whole milk tends to get a bad rap compared to skim and low-fat milk. And yet, it contains higher natural amounts of vitamins A and D, plus calcium, and protein.

Research tends to sway either way regarding milk’s health benefits, and Americans have shifted towards dairy alternatives due to concerns about animal welfare, lactose intolerance, and other dairy triggers.

The U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) currently recommends that adults and children consume 3 cups of dairy per day on a 2,000-calorie-a-day diet. However, the American Heart Association (AHA) suggests that people eliminate whole milk from their diet due to saturated fat’s effects on cholesterol levels and heart disease.

Despite conflicting evidence, dentists say that cow’s milk is an excellent source of calcium and phosphorus that protects your child’s teeth enamel while building strong and healthy bones.

4. Dark Chocolate

If you tend to have a sweet tooth, you’ll be happy to know that dark chocolate has high amounts of minerals and antioxidants with far less sugar than processed milk chocolate.

In moderation, dark chocolate with 70-85% cocoa can fight inflammation in type 2 diabetes and improve neuroplasticity and brain function, helping prevent severe cognitive disorders like Alzheimer’s. Perhaps, most notably, the natural flavonoids in dark chocolate may be beneficial for heart health, too.

When you get a craving, consider swapping out that after-dinner candy bar for a piece of dark chocolate. It’s a dietary move that’ll satisfy your taste buds without so much guilt.

5. Iceberg Lettuce

It may not be the most nutrient-dense leafy green compared to spinach or kale, but iceberg lettuce is surprisingly healthy for you and your family.

Just 1 cup of iceberg lettuce has only 10 calories and is an excellent source of fiber, vitamin K, and potassium. It’s also powerfully hydrating, allowing your body to absorb more water during those hot summer months.

There are plenty of ways to include iceberg lettuce in your family’s diet. In addition to crispy salads, iceberg lettuce can give your sandwiches a refreshing crunch, or you can substitute iceberg lettuce leaves in chicken or sandwich wraps.

6. Quick Oats

There’s nothing more deliciously satisfying than a bowl of hot oatmeal during the cold winter months. However, you may not have the time to stand over a stove to cook yourself breakfast every morning.

Steel-cut oats are high in fiber and have a low glycemic index, but did you know that quick oats are also highly nutritious? Quick oats — different from instant oats — are partially cooked and rolled thinner before packaging and only take minutes to prepare.

Research has shown that oats aid with weight loss, stabilize diabetes, and lower cholesterol by 8% after consuming it for 28 days.

When purchasing quick oats, it’s important to check labels to ensure there isn’t any added sugar. Instead, buy unsweetened oats and throw freshly chopped fruit and cinnamon in for flavor.

A healthy diet doesn’t have to be bland, and you may be surprised to learn that certain food staples in your refrigerator and pantry are quite good for you.

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Healthy Foods the Whole Family Will Enjoy

Perhaps your family already eats these surprisingly healthy foods, in which case, don’t stop anytime soon! Find new and exciting ways to use these foods in your cooking instead. There are so many options, and you’ll help keep your family healthy.