Dietitian Rebecca Gawthorne: These are the nine foods that are healthier than you think 

White potatoes, canned vegetables and dried fruit are three of the nine foods that are healthier than you think, according to one dietitian.

Rebecca Gawthorne, from Sydney, said there are many foods that get a ‘negative reputation’ when in fact they are ‘actually very nutritious’.

The first food Rebecca highlighted was canned vegetables, which many people often avoid because they think fresh is the only way to go.

Rebecca said canned vegetables are ‘convenient, affordable and versatile’, while white potatoes are ‘filling and nutritious’ and give a good source of prebiotics when cooled

‘Canned vegetables are convenient, affordable and versatile,’ Rebecca said on Instagram.

‘They are a great option to keep in your pantry for cooking and backup meals.’ 

In the same vein, you shouldn’t shy away from frozen veg – which she said is a ‘convenient alternative to fresh veg’.

‘Snap frozen veg retains nearly the same, and in some cases like spinach, even more nutrients than fresh veg,’ Rebecca said. 

She also loves white potatoes which some people avoid as they think they are too carb-heavy:

‘White potatoes are filling and nutritious. They are a healthy source of carbs, other nutrients and a good source of prebiotics if cooked and cooled,’ Rebecca said. 

Frozen vegetables are often ‘snap frozen’, which means the nutrients have been locked in and preserved, while tofu is a great source of protein, particularly on a plant-based diet

Elsewhere on the dietitian’s list was nuts that aren’t activated, tofu (which doesn’t alter hormones) and legumes with lectins – which people often avoid when they are following a fad diet. 

Activated nuts are raw nuts that have been soaked for long enough to activate the nut’s digestive proteins.

However, Rebecca said: ‘Studies haven’t found any benefit to activating/soaking nuts – it doesn’t reduce phytates or have health benefits’.

As well as nuts Rebecca said tofu can be a great source of protein. 

It can also be rich in calcium making it the perfect intake of calcium for those following a plant-based diet. 

‘Whole grain cereals are also healthy because whole grains are packed full of key nutrients and a range of dietary fibres that are beneficial for your gut,’ Rebecca said. She is also a fan of nuts that aren’t activated and said they are often just as healthy

‘Whole grain cereals are also healthy because whole grains are packed full of key nutrients and a range of dietary fibres that are beneficial for your gut, immune system and heart,’ Rebecca said.

‘The same is true of wholegrain bread. It’s an excellent source of slow-burning carbs, rich in nutrients and a good source of fibre for healthy digestion.’

Finally, she highlighted that you shouldn’t avoid buying dried fruit, as it often does not have added sugar and it’s a ‘convenient alternative to fresh fruit that is rich in many nutrients’. 

The dietitian’s video – which has been viewed more than 30,000 times online – was quick to resonate with her followers (Rebecca pictured)

The dietitian’s video – which has been viewed more than 30,000 times online – was quick to resonate with her followers.

‘These foods are all staples in my diet so thank you,’ one person wrote.

‘Love this! So helpful. I’ve just learnt as well that cold potatoes like in salads are soooo good for your gut health too,’ another added.