1. Salmon
Serves as a lean source of protein and Omega 3. This will leave you feeling full but has much less fat than any other meat alternative. Great with rice and veggies. This is my go to meal as it is quick easy and full of protein.
2. Avocado
This is a healthy fat, chock full of Omega 3(important for Heart health) and is great as an alternative on sandwiches, salads and even as a dip! We make guacamole on a weekly basis as my three year old is in love with it and could eat it as her main dish.
3. Oats
Rich in fiber and just one cup is packed with 4.6 grams of Resistant Starch, which is a healthy carb that boosts metabolism and burns fat. I like to make a crock pot of oatmeal every Sunday with Raw honey, fresh apples, almonds, Cinnamon, nutmeg, a little agave nectar, fresh figs and of coarse a few tablespoons of flax seed and wheat germ to give it an extra boost. I switch it up every once in a while but this is my favorite mixture.4. Black beans
A cup of black beans packs a whopping 15 grams of satisfying protein without any added saturated fat. This is a great alternative to red meats as they are hard for your body to digest and should be limited to one or two servings a week for optimal health. I like to put these on my salads, mixed in with my brown rice or in my tacos and quesidillas.
5. Blueberries (when in season to get the most nutritional value)
Has phenomenal anti-aging effects, has 4 grams of fiber in a 1-cup serving and is only 80 calories, leaving it figure friendly. We use these in all kinds of things, In our morning smoothies, in our fresh squeezed juices, in cobblers, cereal, oatmeal and yogurt, a little goes a long way and my tot can not get enough of these tiny little endeavors.
6. Broccoli
This is the must have cancer-preventing power food. This can be enjoyed cooked or raw and is only 30 calories per cup but full of fiber yum! We love this on our potatoes, with some homemade Italian dressing as a snack or in our stir fries. Believe it or not this is by far my daughter favorite vegetable of them all, she will take it right out of the fridge as is and chows down!
7. Pears (again best when in season)
Just one pear packs 15% of your daily recommended amount of fiber. But make sure to ditch the peeler on this one, the skin is where all the rich fiber is stored. These switch up the routine a bit and are even juicier than an apple. We use this in smoothies, juices and even cooked up with ricotta, cinnamon and nutmeg, yum yum!
8. Green Tea
This steamy sip hydrates like water but with a hint of flavor and a punch of antioxidants. Studies have shown that replacing other beverages with this 5 times a day will make you lose weight twice as fast, most of which is around the midsection. This I was not to fond of at first because I could not see giving up my dear coffee in the morning. But I just added a little bit of lemon juice and it became a sure favorite after that. You can drink it hot or iced and there are many different flavors to choose from. I like to get it in bulk from the local farmers market because then I know I am helping a small business and getting it fresh!
9. Dark Chocolate
For the Chocolate lovers out there that can not part with their sweets, try this and rejoice! It is packed with antioxidants and can rev up your metabolism, but remember all good things in moderation!
10. Garbanzo beans
These are also known as chickpeas, great source of fiber, protein and healthy fats and one half-cup serving has 2 grams of those good ole' Resistant Starches. These are again great on salads in place of meat or made into Hummus, which is an amazing dip that you can use as a substitute on sandwiches, veggies and crackers. My family can not get enough of it. I will be sure to post our favorite recipe in the Family Recipe section soon!
Now if you want to read more on these amazing super foods keep scrolling because I have so much information packed in this little mind I can't bare to keep it to myself......
These Super Foods were unknown to me just months ago I now have been trying to locate and include them into our everyday favorites. Most of which can be found at local health food stores or online.
1. Goji berries (also known as wolf berries)
These increase immunity, protect liver, improve eyesight and quality of blood as well as prevent aging! They are often dried and can be eaten like raisins. We have used them in granola bars and trail mixes and love love love them!
2. Acai
These are antioxidants that can help people sleep better, makes the immune system stronger, slows down aging, regulates the level of cholesterol in the body, improves vision, circulations/function of the heart and reduces the onset of inflammation! You can get these as a supplement or as a powder to add to smoothies. I have had no such luck at finding it in any other form yet.
3. Cacao
This is the bean that chocolate is made from that provides us with ultimate health benefits, which includes, increase blood flow to the brain; magnesium that helps with constipation, easing menstrual cramps and heart health; provides iron which fights against anemia; zinc, another mineral that plays an essential role in enhancing immune system; Vitamin C, Omega 6 fatty acids and compounds that trigger weight loss. This can not only be found in Dark Chocolate but coconut water, cacao butter and powder, among other things. We include this in our smoothies as well as some other baked goods.
4. Aloe
I use to only associate Aloe with the gel you put on your skin when you stay outside to long in the blazing sun (something I am far too familiar with being a red head) But it has far more benefits to use beyond that. If consumed it can help maintain the balance between good bacteria and the intestine, helping digestion; can control seasonal allergies; keeps blood sugar normal; has calcium, selenium, zinc, chromium and magnesium in it; contains sterils an enzyme that greatly reduces the risk of atherosclerosis; helps in healing and preventing fungus infections and keeps immune system healthy. WOW! what a mouthful or a head spin in your case! This is still pretty new to me as well, but, I do know that they make some pretty delish aloe drinks that you might be able to get in your produce section of your regular grocery store. pick one up and give it a try, it can't hurt!
5. Hemp Seeds
These small little seeds are very versatile and should not be over looked! They are full of calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, manganese and copper; rich in Omega-3, even more so than walnuts; help fight against disease and make your immune system stronger; can alleviate the symptoms of eczema and are rich in essential amino acid and rated the best possible essential fatty acid there is! These can be put in salads, smoothies. shakes or made into hemp milk. They even make a hemp seed protein powder if you prefer that instead of your regular protein powder for smoothies and recovery drinks after working out.
I hope I didn't exhaust you too much, if so I apologize and recommend you go find yourself one of these fab five super foods and regain that lost energy because there is still some time left in the day, better make it count! Lose it, Love it, Live it :-) My pitch phrase for the day as I am thinking about melting away this last bit of baby weight!
TTFN!!! (TaTa For Now as Tigger says!)
No comments:
Post a Comment