I find it funny when a patient becomes bored while trying to eat healthy. (By the way, that same patient never complained about eating a plain bagel and cream cheese each morning for years before we met.) For many, there seems to be a strong disconnect between eating healthy and loving what they are eating.

Sure, I love French fries and pizza, but if asked which foods I couldn't live without, they wouldn't be included. Which foods would make my short list? If I narrow down the many foods I love, which would be tough, I'd say: oatmeal, eggs, hummus, and a baked potato. For me, oatmeal is the perfect start to the day because it's high in fiber, so it fills me up. Eggs can be prepared in many different ways and are a great source of protein. Hummus is packed with flavor (but not fat), and goes so well with a variety of foods. And a baked potato is the perfect stand-alone meal; I love it topped with hummus and an egg, or as the perfect compliment to my entree.

I know I'm not alone in my love of food, so I decided to ask my registered dietitian/nutritionist (RDN) pals which foods they couldn't live without. Mind you, it was very hard for them to choose, too.

Karen Ansel, MS, RDN, spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

"I absolutely can't live without low-fat ricotta and Greek yogurt. Packed with protein and calcium, they're the ultimate multitasking foods that help you stay full, slim and strong. I put them on everything. Another is Ezekiel 4:9 Flax Sprouted Whole Grain Bread. Just one slice has four grams of fiber, five grams of protein and only 80 calories. "

Elisa Zied, MS, RDN, CDN, author of "Nutrition At Your Fingertips" and fellow Eat + Run blogger

"I love pink grapefruit because of its sweet taste, not to mention the vitamin C punch it packs. Brussels sprouts are delicious and a great way to incorporate veggies into my diet. I love sirloin or strip steak for its high-quality protein, along with its B vitamins, iron and zinc. I really love the taste and texture of lean beef and don't need a big portion to feel satisfied. And I simply adore doughy bread with a little butter or dipped in olive oil--comfort food all the way!

Jackie Newgent, RDN, culinary nutritionist and author of "1,000 Low-Calorie Recipes"

"I'm a pasta fanatic; I never go a week without it. It's a perfect and fast foundation for a nutritious meal. When I'm in the mood for comfort food on the go, I reach for pizza. And frankly, it can be a rather balanced food, nutritionally speaking. At home, you can always find an avocado in my kitchen. It's my better butter, my sandwich condiment of choice and my ideal pairing with eggs. Of course, I can't live without veggies either. I'm a devotee of broccoli; it has so many health promoting properties, but I eat it because I'm obsessed with the flavor!"

Rachel Begun, MS, RDN, spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

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Foods Nutrition Experts Can't Live Without