3 "UNSEXY" foods you should be eating

Let’s just quickly clarify what we mean by 3 unsexy” foods.

We are not saying they are low in quality. These foods are HIGH in nutritional value and super low on cost…they just happen to be “rejected” in recent years by extreme food trends that have bombarded the media.

With food prices skyrocketing, having knowledge of what will help your body and budget can be a lifesaver, literally!

You might be surprised by them because, at first glance, they are not very “sexy”…they are pretty basic, however, don’t be fooled.

As they say, “Don’t judge a book by its cover”!

So, here goes…

1) CABBAGE

The good old cabbage is not a food to ignore AND HERE IS WHY!

Its superpower is Vit K, Fiber & water.

Vit K helps make various proteins that are needed for blood clotting and the building of bones. Prothrombin is a vitamin K-dependent protein directly involved with blood clotting. Osteocalcin is another protein that requires vitamin K to produce healthy bone tissue.

Cabbage contains soluble and insoluble fibre which is VITAL for gut health (gut health relates to hormones, brain function, body weight, mental health, heart health, immune health and so much more).

High fibre = healthy gut = healthy body = LOOKING & FEELING AMAZING!!!

Water makes up over 90% of the cabbage and contributes to keeping the body hydrated & cleansed.

Cabbage is a low-calorie food, with a low GI and contains potent anti-inflammatory properties

Ways to use cabbage:

Stir-fries
Salads
baked
used as wraps

The average cost of a cabbage currently is R19.99 each (2024)

2) POTATOES

Ooooo, this one scares quite a lot of people.

Yup, the regular white potato which has been villainized since the extreme diets of Atkins, Keto & Carnivore became a hot trend.

Here is the thing….the potato has been around for 1000 of centuries and, even to this day, is eaten by some of the healthiest populations in the world!

The very important aspect to keep in mind is HOW you prepare them!

The Western world has turned this food into a “problem” because of how it is processed and prepared.

Potatoes deep fried in oil, or smothered with cheese and cream or lathered with butter and sauces or added to meals that are heavy in meat & animal fats is NOT the best idea.

And here is the thing, it’s not the potato causing the problem….it’s the stuff you put on or with the potato that is making it not the best choice.

Potatoes are an excellent source of potassium, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, and fibre AND have a water content of over 70%!!!

They are actually a low-calorie food when looking at their fibre, water and energy ratio.

Due to its excellent source of potassium, potatoes play a vital part in nerve function, which is connected to muscle and heart contraction.

It also helps lower the risk of stroke and certain cancers.

Roughly 98% of the potassium in your body is found in your cells. Of this, 80% is found in your muscle cells, while the other 20% can be found in your bones, liver and red blood cells

Best ways to prepare a potato:

Baked
Boiled
Steamed
Roasted

Average cost of potatoes is under R25 per kilogram (2024)

3) CARROTS

These little orange powerhouses should NOT be underestimated.

The most obvious reason is beta-carotene, a precursor to active vitamin A that is responsible for many of the health benefits that carrots bring.

They get their orange colour from antioxidants called carotenoids.

They are also an excellent source of Vitamin K, Vitamin B9, B6, B5, B3, B2, B1 and Potassium.

High in fibre and have a water content of over 85%.

Health Benefits of carrots include:

Eye health & protection
Potent anti-oxidant
Cancer-fighting
Skin health & protection
protects against heart disease and stroke
Supports the immune system

Ways to prepare carrots:

Raw
salads
Steam
Stir-fry
Roast

The average cost of carrots is under R20 per kilogram (2024)

CONCLUSION

Healthy DOES not mean expensive!

The best approach is to learn what foods (like these) can bring amazing health benefits AND not break the bank.

I am sure you noticed that the common denominators between these 3 foods are:
- High nutritional value, low-calorie value, high fibre, high water & they are all plant-based.

Nature knows best, Mother Earth has given everything we need to ensure our bodies are performing, feeling and looking their best

Like with ALL foods, always wash before using, and when possible, purchase an organic version (not essential, but if you can, it is a bonus), HOW you prepare your food is critical, everything in moderation and keep your food choices as close to nature as possible.