Peanut butter
“If you’re like me, you think peanut butter is important stuff,” says Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, author of The Healthy Instant Pot Cookbook. “It’s a heart-healthy food that seems decadent but is actually healthy and satisfying.” White suggests choosing a nut butter with a minimal ingredient list—so just peanuts and salt, when possible. “Slathered onto a banana, peanut butter is a great pre-workout snack, and it can also be combined with rice vinegar, garlic and low-sodium soy sauce to make a dipping sauce for grilled chicken or sautéed tofu,” she says. The nut butter is also delicious mixed into a blueberry peanut butter smoothie, peanut butter energy bites or a peanut butter sweet potato spread.
Black olives
“I love them, and they love you,” says Joan Salge Blake, EdD, RDN, a clinical professor of nutrition at Boston University and host of the health and wellness podcast SpotOn! “While black olives are about 90 percent fat, it’s the healthy fat! I add them to salad because they also add fiber.” Black olives also taste great in a vegetarian rice bowl, a Tex-Mex dip or an olive loaf. Add the 15 foods anti-aging experts eat every day to balance your meals out.
Avocado
“Nearly all the fat in avocado is the monounsaturated type, which is heart-healthy,” says Elizabeth Ward, MS, RDN, a dietitian in Boston. “Avocado is naturally low in sodium and rich in potassium, so it helps with blood pressure control. It also supplies several B vitamins, as well as vitamin E and vitamin K.” Include avocado in a healthy avocado smoothie, avocado deviled eggs or avocado pesto pasta. Eat these brain-boosting foods to stay sharp.
Salmon
This seafood is known for the EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids it provides. “Salmon combines lean protein with healthy fat,” notes Heather Steele, RD, a dietitian in Tulsa, Oklahoma. “Omega-3s can help with inflammation and also with reducing your risk of chronic disease.” Enjoy salmon in baked salmon cakes, a cauliflower rice bowl or salmon zucchini linguini. There’s a reason salmon is one of the Mediterranean foods all-stars always have for dinner.
Cheese
Yup, cheese is on the list of beneficial high-fat foods! “Few foods are more satisfying and delicious than cheese—especially a full-fat, naturally aged one,” says Regan Jones, RDN, a dietitian in Augusta, Georgia and host of the podcast This Unmillennial Life. “The richness pairs so well with fruits and veggies, two food groups most of us need to eat more of. Plus, as a rich source of calcium and protein, cheese actually offers a nutrient boost to any meal.” Pair cheese with prune jam, add to feta-stuffed tomatoes or enjoy a fruit pizza with cream cheese. Remember to eat cheese in moderation—i.e., a 1-ounce portion or less.
Olive oil
“This is my favorite heart-healthy fat,” says Bonnie Nasar, RDN, a dietitian in Freehold, New Jersey. “It is a staple of the Mediterranean diet. Extra-virgin olive oil can be drizzled onto salads and cooked vegetables—and even used in baked goods.” Also add olive oil to a lupini bean salad, a pita appetizer or vegetarian lentils. See the quick, healthy meals ready in 30 minutes or less.
Eggs
One of the top high-fat foods, eggs are full of good-for-you nutrients, including the eye-helping carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin. “I cook seven or so at a time and eat a hard-cooked one with breakfast or lunch,” says Judy Barbe, RD, a dietitian in Casper, Wyoming. “Eggs are easy and economical, and their protein and fat make them a go-to food.” Enjoy eggs on their own—or add them to a breakfast Panini or ratatouille—or use as a topper for protein French toast.
Dark chocolate
Good news! Dark chocolate is one of the top high-fat foods. “Most of us don’t think of chocolate as a health food, but it provides that perfect little treat when eaten in moderation,” says Cassidy McCandless, MS, RDN, a dietitian in Quincy, IL. “Dark chocolate also provides trace nutrients like copper and selenium, while being an excellent source of antioxidants.” Enjoy it in homemade fondue, salted chocolate chunk cookies or dark chocolate peanut butter cups. Check out more healthy desserts you can enjoy without falling off the wagon.
Greek yogurt
“One of my favorite fats is full-fat Greek yogurt,” says Leanne Ray, MS, RDN, a dietitian in Denver. “Regular Greek yogurt is so much more satisfying to me than the non-fat variety, so it holds me over for hours when I eat it for breakfast. I also love Greek yogurt for its hefty amount of protein and calcium.” Have Greek yogurt in a Greek yogurt parfait, high-protein overnight oats or yogurt-marinated chicken.
Algae oil
Here’s another oil to eat more of. “This is a healthy fat that has a light, neutral flavor and a high smoke point up to 485°F,” says Toby Amidor, MS, RD, a dietitian in New York City, who recommends Thrive Algae Oil. “It has the highest level of monounsaturated fat of any cooking oil—one Tablespoon provides 13 grams of monounsaturated fat, the same amount you’d find in an avocado,” says Amidor, a nutrition partner with Thrive Algae Oil. “Algae oil is also a sustainable cooking oil, with a low carbon and water footprint.” Swap it out for the olive, canola or vegetable oil in a honey orange dressing, a maple-Dijon dressing or basil pesto.
Flax seeds
“I add ground flax seeds to my baking because I love knowing that I’m getting an added boost of fiber and anti-inflammatory ALA omega-3s,” says Jean LaMantia, RD, a dietitian in Toronto. “Worried about phytoestrogens in flax? Don’t be. In research, these compounds have been shown to be protective against hormone-positive cancers, such as breast cancer.” Add flax seeds to blueberry muffins, nutty flax bars or a superfood salad recipe. Check out healthy meal ideas you can make in 20 minutes.
Cashews
“A combination of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and protein make cashews a filling snack option,” says Cassidy Reeser, RDN, a dietitian in Atlanta. “Cashews are also a good source of magnesium, which plays an important role in heart and bone health. The high-fat content of cashews makes them great for blending into creamy sauces or vegan cheeses.” Also add cashews to a cauliflower smoothie, Tandoori tacos or vegan cheesecake.
Amy Gorin is a freelance writer, registered dietitian and owner of Amy Gorin Nutrition in the New York City area. Connect with her on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.
Note: Every product is independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
The post 12 Healthiest, High-Fat Foods You Should Be Eating appeared first on Taste of Home.
Amy Gorin, MS, RDN