Surprising as it sounds, some junk food may actually be good for you. Too often, our changing diets and fads dismiss whole food categories as unhealthy. If you’re looking to get healthier but you miss your snacks, here are a few options you can consider pulling back into your diet.

Beef Jerky

Even though beef jerky has a bad reputation, it actually is full of protein! It’s also good for you if you’re watching your weight. Beef jerky doesn’t raise your insulin levels, which signals your body to store fat. Be sure, though, to pick low-sodium brands! You can also select brands with natural ingredients to keep from introducing chemicals into your diet.

Hot Sauce

Many people concerned about developing blood pressure issues or stomach sensitivity tend to avoid hot sauces. Hot sauces contain a large amount of sodium. Or, they can cause stomachaches and acid reflux. However, if you can find low-sodium brands, don’t pass on this condiment yet. Capsaicin can actually curb your appetite according to a study in the European Journal of Nutrition. It can also reduce inflammation and help fight prostate cancer.

Popcorn

Popcorn gets a bad rap because of the toppings, rather than the food itself. Also, because it’s such a simple and popular snack, it’s easy to reject it as junk food. However, popcorn is gluten-free on its own or with the right toppings. Plus, it’s full of fiber and anti-oxidants! If you’re looking to cut back on calories while keeping your ability to snack, popcorn is also filling. Rather than settling back into theater or high-sodium popcorn, try adding olive oil, garlic powder, and parmesan cheese instead of butter and salt.

Coconut

Even though coconut does contain high levels of saturated fat, coconut contains lauric acid, which actually boosts good cholesterol. Lauric acid also boosts your immune system against infections. Coconut is more than just flakes and oil as well. The juice aids in hydration and provides essential minerals for brain function, while the meat provides for the good bacteria in your intestines.

Dark chocolate

Everyone needs an excuse to eat more chocolate! In moderation, a dark chocolate bar the size of a Kit-Kat bar can help more than people think. Dark chocolate contains heart-healthy flavonoids as well as protein. So don’t give up on chocolate just yet! Indulge and take comfort in knowing that your junk food craving can be good for you.

Sour Cream

While the percentage of fat in sour cream may be high, the actual amount is not. For 2 tablespoons, you get half the fat from a single tablespoon of mayonnaise! It’s also healthier than drinking a 12-oz. glass of milk. If you need to keep dairy in your diet, don’t shy away from using sour cream to top your taco salads!

Ice Cream

Recently, studies in Tokyo found that ice cream for breakfast might actually be good for you! Researchers fed ice cream to participants right after they woke up. These participants then did better at completing mental exercises than participants who did not eat ice cream.

While studies are still underway concerning what the link is, this much is true: ice cream can activate positivity and pleasure centers in the brain. That good attitude might be all you need to enhance your brain first thing in the morning. Why not kick start it with ice cream?

 

Research may still be ongoing for these and other junk or “unhealthy” foods. However, just because it’s more popular to say they’re unhealthy, you might think twice before cutting them completely from your diet. Moderation is still best. And you might find unexpected benefits from these easily-dismissed snacks!