5 Healthy Foods Hiding A Lot Of Calories

Healthy And High Calorie Can Co-Exist

Most people often believe that healthy means low calorie. That's just simply not true! "Healthy" more accurately describes the nutrient quality in food, and in some cases, that comes with a high calorie count. Many wholesome foods are energy-dense because they contain beneficial fats or concentrated natural sugars. The good news is you can still enjoy them—just with portion awareness. Here are five you should know about.

sliced avocado fruit Irene Kredenets on Unsplash

1) Nuts and Nut Mixes

Yes, nuts are packed with healthy fats, protein, and minerals that are good for you, but these are also what make them calorie-dense. A small handful can add up quickly, especially when you keep reaching back into the bag. These are definitely healthy snacks you can enjoy, just measure a serving and eat them slowly so you don't overdo it.

brown and white nuts on white ceramic bowls Pavel Kalenik on Unsplash

2) Avocado

TikTok and Instagram will tell you avocado is a superfood that provides fiber and heart-friendly fats, which is true, but what they often don't share is that it's high in calories. When it's so easy to just "add a bit more" when using it as a dip or spreading it on toast, you might accidentally go too far. Always portion things out and pair it with plenty of vegetables to really enjoy avocados at their best.

green and brown fruit on black and brown fruits Eddie Pipocas on Unsplash

3) Granola

Granola is often deemed a "health food," but the reality is, it's often loaded with oils, sweeteners, and calorie-dense add-ins. A typical bowl-sized pour can be two to three servings without you even realizing! That's why you should use this food as a topping rather than a base, and check the serving size on the label.

a glass bowl full of dried brown and white grains Sollange Brenis on Unsplash

4) Dried Fruit

Dried fruit can be nutritious, but it's not the same as eating fresh fruit. Removing water concentrates both sugar and calories into a much smaller volume. As a result, treat it like a garnish or a small snack portion, and choose unsweetened versions when possible if you want to keep things healthy.

a close up of a mixture of fruit and nuts Alexander Schimmeck on Unsplash

5) Hummus

Everyone's favorite dip, hummus offers fiber and plant-based protein which are good for you, but it can quickly become a calorie source when paired with large amounts of pita chips or generous scoops. The dip itself is usually made with tahini and olive oil, which are nutritious but energy-rich, so stick to a moderate portion and pair it with crunchy vegetables for a lighter option.

white ceramic bowl with soup Nicholas Barbaros on Unsplash