When trying to be healthy, we typically try to avoid all of those sinful foods that are out on the market today.

Lucky for us, there are guilt-free foods available that taste sinfully delicious. They provide beneficial health properties and leave us feeling satisfied. These foods are great options to keep on hand to help deal with unexpected cravings between meals or after dinner.

5 healthy sin foods
1. Peanut butter
This delicious product is the perfect option when you’re looking for something sweet, healthy and high in protein to fill you up at any meal. Peanut butter is high in protein, healthy fats and fibre, making it a guilt-free food that is both delicious and appetizing. Opt for natural and organic peanut butter when shopping at the grocery store to ensure that you are reducing your toxin intake and supporting your liver.

2. Dark chocolate or cocoa
Many of us find ourselves dealing with cravings for sweets throughout the day or after a meal. At times like these, reach for a piece of dark chocolate to help squash the craving and keep you on track for the rest of the day.

Dark chocolate is praised for having high quantities of flavonoids, which have antioxidant properties. It also provides your body with cardiovascular benefits. Try to stick with high-quality dark chocolate or cocoa, which offer the maximum health benefits and nutrients. I recommend keeping a couple of pieces of dark chocolate in your freezer at home so that when you have a craving you can reach for a cold, crisp square of chocolate to keep you satisfied.

3. Sweet potato
The wide range of health benefits that sweet potatoes offer puts these root vegetables high on my list. Having one to two small sweet potatoes per week can provide you with a wide array of vitamins and minerals, including:

• vitamin B, especially vitamin B6, which supports your nervous system;

• vitamin C, which helps support and prevent damage from free radicals and also supports bone growth;

• vitamin D, which boosts the immune system and enhances vitamin C absorption;

• iron, which carries oxygen to the blood, helping to increase energy and decrease fatigue;

• fibre, which helps relieve constipation and also helps fill you up;

• potassium, which helps with relaxation and stress; and

• beta-carotene, also known as vitamin A, which supports immune system functions and is a good source of antioxidants.

The natural flavour of sweet potatoes provides the sweetness you sometimes look for during a meal and helps fill you up and keep you satisfied.

4. Honey
This naturally sweet and delicious product is the perfect alternative to white sugar and is a wonderful addition to many foods, including tea, yogurt and cereal. Honey is high in polyphenols, which have antioxidant properties, and provides your body with an excellent immune boost, which is especially important during the winter months and cold and flu season.

Be sure to purchase organic, natural honey to help reduce potential toxin intake. You can also take a teaspoon of honey to help suppress a cough or sore throat, as the honey will coat and soothe your throat in an attempt to provide relief.

5. Popcorn
Air-popped popcorn is a delicious snack that can be made at home in a matter of minutes. It is filled with both antioxidants and fibre, making it a great snack for you and your family to enjoy on a weekend afternoon. All you need are corn kernels and oil, as well as a topping of your choice.

Try adding some cinnamon for a sweet treat or some kosher salt if you’re looking for something salty. You can even try cooking the popcorn in coconut oil, which will give it a sweet taste without having to add any additional toppings. Play around with different flavourings to see what your favourites are and make sure to keep them on hand for a perfect snack.

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Joey Shulman is a bestselling author and the founder of Shulman Weight Loss Clinic.