SAVE THE DAY SUPER FOODS
Ever wonder what super foods you should incorporate into your daily diet? It’s easier than you may think, and who knows, you probably have a few of these things hiding in your refrigerator or kitchen pantry.
So, I’ve made it even easier for you and came up with a list of five of my favorite super foods and their benefits!
1. Eggs
Whether they’re scrambled, sunny side up, hard boiled, or poached, throwing an egg into your daily diet is actually a good idea.
Eggs are a high source of protein and are a great option to keep you energized through out the day. Egg yolks contain two antioxidants, lutein and zeaxanthin, that reduce the risk for age-related macular degeneration, which is the leading cause of blindness in people over the age of 50.
2. Berries
This one may actually be a three-in-one. Who doesn’t love berries? Blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries each contain different antioxidants and vitamins that are important for your health, and all three of them contain fiber which is good for your digestion.
While raspberries contain ellagic acid – which helps prevent cancer, blueberries contain many antioxidants that help with memory sharpness and weight loss. And let’s not forget about my favorite…strawberries! Strawberries not only act as an anti-inflamitory in the same way that Aspirin and Ibuprofen do, but a couple of strawberries a day actually contain a full-day’s dose of skin firming Vitamin C.
Who knew? So add some color and sweetness to your diet by aiming for a half to a full cup of berries a day. ;)
3. Nuts
Walnuts, cashews, pistachios, almonds…the list can go on and on. Not only is this a perfect snack but its health benefits are some of the best. Studies have shown that those who include nuts in their daily diet live, on average, an extra two years.
Many nuts also contain alpha-linolenic acid which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids that have been linked to heart health.
4. Avocado
Did you know avocados contain high amounts of potassium, magnesium, folate, protein, and vitamins B6, E, and K. Holy Guacamole! :)
Get all the nutrients you need by eating a quarter to a half of an avocado a day.
5. Green Tea
I have to admit, I am a tea lover, and when I did a little research on green tea I was pleased with what I found!
Not only does green tea hydrate the same way that water does, but it is also known to fight cancer, heart disease, and help prevent dementia, diabetes, and stroke. I don’t know about you, but I think this super drink may be a life saver! Enjoy a cup of green tea any time of the day for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!
So there you have it, five of my favorite super foods. Which one is your favorite? Any super foods you’d like to share? Comment below!
Hi Giselle!
What food would you recommend for an afternoon energy boost?! I eat real bacon, eggs, hash browns, and coffee with half and half (no sugar) every morning followed by a chocolate banana peanut butter protein shake like 2 hours later. From 11AM-3PM everyday I feel like curling into a ball and slumbering under my cubicle. I try MORE sugarless coffee, 12PM yoga, a 20 minute car nap, and a 2PM Colada and still want to hibernate like a bear before winter. Of note, I consume < 50G of carbs/day and < 20G of sugar/day.
I can't argue the health benefit of green tea, but it tastes so gross :( Any additives?
Other superfood: unsweetened cocoa powder. This food is very low in Cholesterol and Sodium. It is also a good source of Protein, Potassium and Zinc, and a very good source of Dietary Fiber, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Copper and Manganese. And it has a whopping GI score of 0.
~ Andy
p.s. When will there be bacon at church?!
All the ones you mentioned are favorites of mine. But when it comes to my kids i have to be a little creative. They like eggs, berries even nuts. But to add more nutrition i hide quinoa in the pancake mix i make, cookies, breads…you name it. Also kiwicha (which my mom brings from Peru) very similar to quinoa. http://southamericanfood.about.com/b/2011/06/26/kiwicha-the-mini-quinoa.htm
Thanks God for super foods!!