The Power of Superfoods

With each coming season, many people are probably thinking about their resolutions and goals for the next three months. For more help reaching these goals you can check out my to-do list post. A lot of people start a new season  with plans to become more healthy and physically active. These are admirable goals that can give you more energy, increase your confidence, and keep you disciplined. If you are interested in incorporating healthier foods into your diet, you should consider eating superfoods. 

While superfood is not a scientific term, and is oftentimes used too loosely, many foods that are rich in nutrients are referred to as superfoods. These foods are generally nutrient dense foods rich in things that are good for us, such as: 

1) Healthy fats like monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that can contribute to good cholesterol and your overall health; 

2) Antioxidants which have been proven to reduce your likelihood of suffering from age-related diseases, such as Alzheimers disease and various types of cancer;

3) Phytochemicals, that promote overall health; 

4) Fiber, which regulates your digestive system. 

There are many different lists of superfoods out there. Basically any food rich in one or more of the nutrients listed above can be considered superfoods. However, if youre looking for some guidance, you can start eating superfoods by incorporating the following foods into your diet. 

Acai: This berry is considered a superfood because it is high in fiber, amino acids, and antioxidants. The acai berry will provide you with tons of energy, assist you in weight loss goals, and because of the fiber that it has, it can help promote a healthy digestive system. Tip: Be careful with acai juices as they can be high in sugar. Make sure you read the label before purchasing these juices. 

Cacao: Raw cacao is one of the best superfoods out there. Its packed with vitamins and minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. Incorporating cacao into your diet can reduce everything from stress to cancer. Look into buying cacao butter, nibs, powder or beans and eating them on their own or using them in recipes. 

Beans and Whole Grains: Both of these foods are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. You can start incorporating whole grains in your diet by switching half of your grains to whole grains, i.e. whole grain pasta, brown rice, whole grain bread, etc. Beans are also a good source of protein, so you can use them as a meat substitution in many dishes for a healthier meal. 

Leafy greens: Greens like mustard greens, kale, collard greens, and swiss chard are also rich in fiber as well as calcium and vitamins like A, C, and K. These greens tend to be on the bitter side, but they are a great addition to soups and can be sauteed with other vegetables for added flavor. You can also consider adding these greens to smoothies, as the flavor of the fruit will overpower the taste of the vegetables. 

Fatty fish: Fatty fish, for example,  such as salmon, sardines, and tuna are rich in Omega-3 and can increase your good cholesterol, your memory and your overall health.

 

Seeds and Nuts: Another great source of protein, seeds and nuts are high in healthy fats and many minerals. Tip: Be careful not to overdo it with seeds and nuts, as they are fairly high in calories. Consider eating them in moderation as a healthy snack.

 My cucumbers

Happy eating!