1. Mushrooms

Buttons, morels, creminis and Portobellos, oh my! There are many mushroom varieties and they are all foods that are surprisingly healthy. Not only do they have B vitamins, but mushrooms are also the only vegetable that contain vitamin D, a nutrient your body needs for healthy bones. They’re also low in calories and make a great substitute for meat in soup, stew and Mexican food. If that’s not surprising, I don’t know what is.

2. Potatoes

They aren’t the villains that many would have you believe. Yes, they contain carbs, but without any carbs, your body won’t have the energy it needs to get through a day. So it’s fine to include carbohydrates as long as they’re the good kind, like the ones you get from vegetables. Potatoes are also a great way to increase your potassium and fiber intake. Sub a baked potato for fries at dinner or add them to your next breakfast burrito.

3. Leeks

They look like giant green onions, but they’re surprisingly delicious and nutritious. Leeks are a wonderful source of vitamin K, which your body needs to clot blood properly. That’s not a nutrient you want to be deficient in. They’re also a good source of antioxidants, which are important for fighting free radical damage in your body. Add leeks to a pot of potato soup or slice them up and use them as a healthy garnish for all kinds of meals.

4. Beef

Beef often gets a bad rap as being full of saturated fat, but it’s not such a bad guy as it turns out. As long as you choose healthy cuts of beef, such as sirloin, you can get loads of benefits from it. That includes plenty of iron and B vitamins as well as the protein your body needs for virtually every function it performs. Grill a steak for dinner – it’s that easy. You can also add beef to salad or make a pan full of fajitas too.

5. Watercress

Water, what? It’s a green, but it’s not all that common. The vegetable has a peppery flavor that works really well in a salad, on top of a pizza once it’s done baking or folded into a sandwich for an extra bite. With tons of antioxidants, watercress is a great food for helping keep your white blood cells healthy so you don’t get sick or develop scary health conditions like heart disease and cancer.

6. Sauerkraut

It might seem like a condiment, but sauerkraut is actually really healthy. It’s pickled cabbage so it also tastes great! Because sauerkraut is fermented, it’s loaded with the good bacteria your digestive system needs to keep humming along normally. In fact, you should be getting these probiotics on a daily basis and if you’re tired of yogurt, sauerkraut is a great alternative. Top a pork roast with the sauerkraut or pile it on a hot dog. Either way, your taste buds will be happy and your body will thank you.

7. Eggs

Despite what you’ve probably heard about eggs, they aren’t so full of cholesterol that they’re off limits. In fact, eggs are chock full of essential nutrients that make them a healthy choice for anyone’s diet. They’ve got protein, B vitamins and choline, so you can’t go wrong. Eat eggs for breakfast, add a hard-boiled egg to your salad or feast on huevos rancheros for dinner.

Did any of these foods surprise you? Do have others to add to the list?