4 Health Foods You MUST Try
If you’re hoping to take your health to new levels in the coming year, it’s important that you familiarize yourself with the best foods out there.
Remember that seeing success in your journey isn’t just about counting calories or planning your macros. While those are both very important as far as bodyweight is concerned, you also want to look at the nutrients found in the foods you’re eating.
Choose foods that contain the highest level of micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) coupled with antioxidants and you’ll not only be achieving a healthy body weight but feeling great while you’re at it.
This said, there are some foods that definitely stand out above the others. This year, why not explore your options? If you’ve been eating the same handful of foods each and every day for months on end, it’s time for a little adventure.
Eating healthy doesn’t need to be boring – introducing new great tasting, nutrient dense foods can definitely spice things up.
Here are some options to get you started.
Kiwis
One fruit that too often gets overlooked is that of the kiwi. If you’re the type to typically turn towards apples, bananas, or oranges, you definitely need to branch out.
Kiwi’s are loaded with vitamin C, which will be important for strengthening your immune system and fending off that cold and flu virus that seems to be going around.
They’re also a stand-out source of potassium, which is important for keeping your blood pressure in check as well as helping you power through those intense workout sessions. Without enough potassium in your diet, muscle contractions won’t take place as strongly, thus you won’t perform like you could.
Even better? This sweet treat contains just 50 calories or so per fruit, so it’s an easy add to any diet plan. No matter what your diet requirements happen to be, chances are you can find a way to fit this one in your plan.
Edamame
Unless you’re a vegetarian, there’s a good chance you are not consuming edamame as part of your regular diet plan. But yet, it’s definitely one to consider.
This is a young soybean that’s still attached to the branch and is perfect for serving with main meals or just eating as a snack when you need a boost. The nice thing about these are that they’re a nice mix of proteins, carbohydrates, and dietary fats, so you really get a complete snack all in one.
They’re also a great source of dietary fiber, so will help with stabilizing blood glucose, preventing hunger from coming on and lowering cholesterol while possibly reducing heart disease risk, as was reported in the Journal of Nutrition1.
Eat them steamed and then tossed with a little salt if desired.
Canned Salmon
An often-forgotten about superfood, canned salmon is another one you’ll definitely want to get into your diet plan. The great thing about canned salmon is that it’s ready when you are. No prep required. You can even get canned salmon that already has the skin and bones removed, making this a perfect option for those days you need a quick boost.
Canned salmon can be served as is, in a canned salmon salad (prepared with avocado rather than mayonnaise for an even higher health boost), or whipped up into a salmon burger using an egg and some dry oats.
Canned salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are one of the most important fats that you should be eating. Omega-3 fatty acids are responsible for helping to lower inflammation, prevent cancer, improve brain health, reduce your risk of depression, and assist with improving insulin sensitivity to name just a few of their benefits.
You’ll also get a good dose of protein from canned salmon as well.
Chia Seeds
Many people are aware of the health benefits that nuts have, but few realize the nutritional value of seeds. Seeds, in particular, chia seeds, are an excellent addition to your diet plan.
These seeds are also a great source of omega 3 fatty acids and will also contain some monounsaturated fats as well.
They’ll couple this with a little protein as well as fibrous carbohydrates, making these an excellent option to help control hunger.
Try adding these to a bowl of Greek yogurt, mixed into some cooked oatmeal, or added to any sort of baked good you’re creating.
So there you have four delicious and very nutritious health foods you should bring into your diet in the coming year ahead. Are you missing out on any of these?
Reference:
Shannon Clark is your go-to-girl. She holds a degree in Exercise Science from the University of Alberta, where she specialized in Sports Performance and Psychology. In addition to her degree, she is an AFLCA certified personal trainer and has been working in the field for over 12 years now, and has helped others of all ages lose weight, build muscle, and improve their physical performance.
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