Guilty pleasures have a somewhat disparaging reputation--otherwise the word "guilty" wouldn't be included in the title. However, there are a few foods that may make you feel guilty or self-indulgent at the onset that can actually have a positive impact on your health. You can feel less guilty about occasionally indulging in the following:
1. Chocolate
A food that seems completely void of nutritional value and a complete splurge is chocolate, but chocolate is actually rich in antioxidants that can help reduce and slow down cellular damage from pollution, sun exposure, aging, lack of exercise and poor diet. Chocolate can also be good for your heart health in moderation, as it can improve your body's blood circulation.
There are some caveats when reaching for guilty pleasures, of course, and chocolate is no exception. Only dark chocolate that's high in cocoa content (as opposed to sugar content) can give you the optimal health benefits, so make sure that your chocolate is 75% or more cocoa. Usually just one small square of chocolate per day is enough to give you health benefits without the negative side effects of indulging in too many sweets.
2. Wine
No one needs to drink alcohol to satiate their thirst and so you may be worried about the empty calories you're imbibing along with the flavor. However, drinking wine in moderation (usually no more than one to two glasses per day) is another example of guilty pleasures that can be good for your health. Red wine is especially beneficial for your heart because it's rich in antioxidants and resveratrol, which help reduce the chances of blood clotting and plaque building in the arteries.
However, that's not to say that you should begin drinking wine if you don't already enjoy alcohol. Wine still has empty calories and can, in excess, contribute to an increase in triglycerides in your body. You can enjoy similar benefits to that of wine by eating many fruits and vegetables, particularly grapes.
3. (Some) Pizza
Pizza is another one of those delicious guilty pleasures with a bad reputation. All those carbohydrates and that grease, cheese and meat can't be good for you. However, if you choose your pizza right, it doesn't need to be the greasy high-calorie treat that it usually is.
Pizzas with vegetable toppings can be healthy because you eat a variety of vegetables you may not have otherwise eaten. Plus, vegetables are among the most nutritionally beneficial foods you can eat. In order to make the rest of the pizza healthier, bypass the cheese or select low-fat cheese to cut back on some of the calorie content. You should also elect whole-wheat, thin-crust pizza to cut back on the carbohydrates and ensure that you're getting the health benefits of whole grains. Choosing a substitute for marinara sauce can also improve your pizza; vinegar and oil or white sauce are healthier alternatives.
