^The Diet Diva Featured in Articles

Dietitians are smart about food. Not only do they know which ones are healthy, they also know which of those healthy foods taste really good. BettyConfidential went to some of the country’s top dietitians to find out their personal favorites.

See what they had to say...

Dark Chocolate
This sophisticated treat contains important nutrients known as flavonoids, and it’s packed with antioxidants that may play a positive role in a number of crucial issues including anti-aging and heart health.

"Seventy-two percent cocoa is my favorite. Its bitter/sweet taste satisfies my dessert craving.”

–Patricia Bannan, MS, RD, author of Eat Right When Time Is Tight (NorLightsPress, 2010)

Raw Cashews
They're loaded with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, antioxidants that fight damage to cells, and key minerals including copper, magnesium, and phosphorus.

Read Top Diet Tips From Top Dietitians

“I adore the clean taste and mildly crunchy (not rock hard) texture of raw cashews. They're a filling and satisfying source of plant protein, and I find them so easy to eat when I'm on the go--no cooking or fuss required!”

–Elisa Zied, MS, RD, CDN, author of Nutrition At Your Fingertips (Alpha, 2009)

Kale
This dark leafy green contains blood-builders, bone-builders and the antioxidant trio "ACE" (vitamins A, C, and E).

“Kale is my must-have whenever my body needs an energy boost. I love it finely shredded in a raw salad, baked into crisp kale chips, or lightly sautéed with sesame oil and garlic.”

–Dawn Jackson Blatner, RD, LDN, author of The Flexitarian Diet (McGraw Hill, 2009) and Chicago Cubs Nutrition Consultant

Milk
Besides providing hydration, milk is high in protein, calcium, vitamin D and many other essential nutrients.

“Milk is my favorite food (beverage); 1% fat is my choice. Many of my clients love milk, too, but don't think about drinking it in the afternoon as a latte, or in the evening after dinner, especially after flossing.”

–Maye Musk, MS, RD, international wellness speaker and New York City-based nutrition counselor

Oats are whole grains and are high in soluble fiber, which helps lower cholesterol, helps manage blood sugar, and aids in satiety.

"I can't wait to start my day with a bowl of oatmeal—I think that is why I am an early riser. I make it with nonfat milk and top it with cinnamon, ground flax, and low fat cottage cheese … Delish!”

–Keri Gans, MS, RD, CDN, spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association and author of the upcoming The Small Change Diet (Gallery, 2011)


Soy
It’s one of the best plant-based protein sources and contains all nine essential amino acids as well as vitamins and minerals that will help you maintain bone mass and improve your overall health.

"As a mostly meatless kinda girl, soy is my go-to source for protein. You can substitute it for meat in tons of recipes!"

--Tara Gidus, RD, the "Diet Diva" on The Daily Buzz Morning TV Show

Sweet Potato
The sweet potato is an antioxidant-rich root vegetable that may help to prevent heart disease and cancer.

“Sweet potatoes are my comfort food, as they cure sweet and savory cravings. I love them baked with a little maple syrup drizzled on top.”

--Rachel Begun, MS, RD, food and nutrition communications consultant

Greek Yogurt
It’s packed with twice the protein of regular yogurt. And it provides healthy probiotics for immunity, plus calcium.

“Nonfat Greek yogurt with honey is heavenly, creamy, and feels decadent. Plus it doubles as a face mask!”

--Kate Geagan, MS, RD, America’s Green Nutritionist™ and author of Go Green Get Lean (Rodale, 2009)

Avocado
The avocado is bursting with good-for-you fats, potassium, vitamin E, fiber, and antioxidants.

"It's decadent but so healthy; I feel virtuous every time I eat it. I love it spread on whole grain toast, in a salad or smoothie, made into guacamole, or sliced as a garnish for any hot or cold dish. It's like butter from the earth!"

--Cynthia Sass, MPH, RD, blogger for http://www.shape.com/weight-loss-coach and co-author of The Ultimate Diet Log (Mariner Books, 2009)

Red Wine
Loaded with the powerful antioxidant resveratrol, red wine may reduce inflammation and increase blood flow to all the right places.

“I love knowing that the rich decadent flavor of red wine is something that not only soothes my mood but that it’s also good for me!”

--Bonnie Taub-Dix, MA, RD, CDN, weight loss expert and author of Read It Before You Eat It (Plume, 2010)

To eat like these dietitians, remember to pick proper serving sizes. Keep some portions petite; for others, go big. For more information, click here.

Jackie Newgent, RD, is a New York City-based nutritionist, author of Big Green Cookbook and The All-Natural Diabetes Cookbook, and healthy cooking instructor at The Institute of Culinary Education. Follow her @jackienewgent.