Fueling your body with a diverse range of 20 super healthy foods—like fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and lean proteins—can greatly enhance your overall well-being
Plenty of foods are both nutritious and delicious. By incorporating fruits, vegetables, high-quality proteins, and other whole foods into your meals, you’ll enjoy dishes that are vibrant, diverse, and nourishing.
Here are 50 wholesome and flavorful options to add to your diet.
1–6: Fruits and berries
Fruits and berries are beloved for their health benefits. They’re naturally sweet, packed with nutrients, and incredibly easy to add to your diet since they require minimal preparation.
1. Apples
Apples are rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. They are highly satisfying and make an ideal snack to curb your hunger between meals
2. Avocados
Avocados stand out from most fruits because they’re loaded with heart-healthy fats. Their creamy texture and delicious flavor make them a favorite, but they’re also a powerhouse of fiber, potassium, and vitamin C. For a simple and healthy twist, swap out mayo with avocado in your salad dressing, or enjoy it spread on toast for a nourishing breakfast
3. Bananas
Bananas are an excellent source of potassium and are also packed with vitamin B6 and fiber. Plus, they’re convenient to grab on the go, making them a perfect, portable snack.
4. Blueberries
Blueberries are not only delicious but also packed with antioxidants, making them a great choice for a healthy treat.
5. Oranges
Oranges are famous for their high vitamin C content, but they’re also rich in fiber and antioxidants, making them a nutritious choice all around
6. Strawberries
Strawberries are not only incredibly nutritious but also light on carbs and calories. Bursting with vitamin C, fiber, and manganese, they make for a sweet and refreshing treat you can enjoy any time.
Other healthy fruits
Some other healthy fruits and berries to enjoy are cherries, grapes, grapefruit, kiwi, lemons, mangoes, melons, olives, peaches, pears, pineapples, plums, and raspberries
7–12: Nuts and seeds
Although nuts and seeds are high in healthy fats and calories, they may help reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, and other health concerns. They make for a satisfying snack that can support weight management.
Easy to incorporate into your daily routine, nuts and seeds require little to no prep and can add a nice crunch to salads and other dishes. However, they should be avoided by those with nut allergies.
7. Almonds
Almonds are a popular nut packed with vitamin E, antioxidants, magnesium, and fiber. A 2021 review found that almonds may aid in weight loss, support gut health, boost cognitive function, help regulate heart rate during stress, and even slow down skin aging.
8. Chia seeds
Chia seeds are a nutrient powerhouse. Just one ounce (28 grams) delivers 11 grams of fiber along with impressive amounts of magnesium, manganese, calcium, and other essential nutrients.
9. Coconuts
Coconuts are a great source of fiber and contain beneficial fats known as medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs).
10. Macadamia nuts
Macadamia nuts are delicious and stand out for their higher content of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and lower levels of omega-6 fatty acids compared to most other nuts.
11. Walnuts
Walnuts are incredibly nutritious, loaded with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Try pairing them with feta cheese for a flavorful salad topping.
12. Brazil nuts
Brazil nuts are packed with nutrients and have a smooth, buttery texture. They’re especially beneficial for supporting thyroid function and are an excellent source of selenium.
13–20: Vegetables
Vegetables are some of the most nutrient-dense foods you can eat, providing a lot of nutrition for very few calories. By including a variety of vegetables in your diet, you’ll ensure you’re getting a broad range of essential nutrients.
13. Asparagus
Asparagus is a well-loved vegetable that’s low in carbs and calories but packed with vitamin K.
14. Bell peppers
Bell peppers, available in vibrant colors like red, yellow, and green, are crisp, sweet, and packed with antioxidants and vitamin C.
15. Broccoli
Broccoli, a versatile cruciferous vegetable, is delicious whether eaten raw or cooked. It’s a fantastic source of fiber, vitamins C and K, and provides more protein than most other vegetables.
16. Carrots
Carrots are a beloved root vegetable known for their sweet, crunchy texture. They’re packed with fiber, vitamin K, and carotene antioxidants, which offer many health benefits. Toss a few carrot sticks in your lunchbox or enjoy them with guacamole and other dips.
17. Cauliflower
Cauliflower is an incredibly versatile cruciferous vegetable. You can toss it into curries, roast it with olive oil, or enjoy it raw in salads or as a dipper.
18. Cucumber
Cucumbers are a refreshing, low-calorie snack, made up mostly of water. They’re low in carbs and provide a small boost of vitamin K and other nutrients.
19. Garlic
Garlic is a flavorful and healthy addition to salads and savory dishes. It contains allicin, known for its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, and may help lower the risk of cancer and heart disease.
20. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are usually categorized as a vegetable, although they are technically a fruit. They are tasty and provide nutrients such as potassium and vitamin C. For a bit of fun and extra flavor, try growing tomatoes on your windowsill.