When it comes to our eating habits, some of us have a magnetic attraction to the staple food rice. It is easy and fast to prepare, doesn't cost much and keeps you full. On the other side, it doesn't have all the necessary vitamins and nutrients needed for a healthy diet. One way to achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle is to eat a variety of food, hellofood has put together some delicacies you should try adding to your daily diet.

1. Ukodo – Ukodo is a yam and unripe plantain dish cooked with lots of special spices which bring out its rich local flavor. This appetizing meal is highly nutritious and contains lots of protein and vitamins.

2. Unripe Plantain Pottage – Unripe plantain pottage is well known for its nutritional value and based on findings by hellofood.com, it is rumored to help rejuvenate the sexual organ with its high level of potassium.

3. Akara (Bean Cake) – Akara is known to be beneficial for health by virtue of the various minerals and vitamins it contains. It is rich in calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron and zinc. It also contains essential vitamins like A and C.

4. Tuwo Shinkafa (Rice Pudding) – Tuwo is a delicacy from the Northen part of Nigeria, made with rice and can be eaten with any soup. This dish has antioxidant properties and is very rich in calcium and protein.

5. Ukwa (Breadfruit Porridge) – This delicacy is highly tasty and nutritious made from breadfruit seeds. Ukwa is also an ideal food for maintaining healthy eyes, skin and for boosting the body’s resistance to infections and disease. Consistent intake of this dish reduces harmful cholesterol or LDL in the body.

6. Ekpang Nkukwo – This special dish whose nutritional value cannot be rivaled is prepared with Cocoyam, Water-yam and periwinkle.

7. Akamu/Pap – This side dish which has a slightly sour taste is made from fermented maize. It is high in simple sugars, readily absorbable, high in simple proteins and is rich in vitamins. Intake of pap provides instant energy and it is believed by some to enhance lactation.