Thursday Thoughts: Super Foods!

8:58 PM Remy Maguire - Manifest the Best 0 Comments

These foods aren’t just any old food – their Super Foods! Super foods stand out from the crowd by packing a whole lotta nutritional punch for a small caloric cost. Super foods are natures finest in flavor, easy to eat and provide your body with essential nutrients and anti-oxidants. When trying to keep a clean, healthy diet, lose weight, and have more energy everyday – super foods are the way to go. Here are 6 of my favorites and some yummy ways to use them…
1. Greek Yogurt: Since discovering this rich and creamy version of yogurt I don’t think I’ll ever go back to the old stuff, unless it’s the frozen kind☺ I use non-fat Greek yogurt to whip up think and frothy smoothies. You can also use it in place of heavy or artificial sour cream for fajitas, potatoes and salad dressings. Mix with real cocoa powder and freeze for 10 minutes, top with berries, another super food for a special treat!
2. Beans: The musical fruit is good for your heart! And beans are a great source of filling fiber. Toss in with scrambled eggs, serve instead of meat in tacos, or add to salads. There are even recipes that use black beans in brownies to lower the fat – check it out! My favorite summer salad is a mix of black beans, shredded kale, sliced red onion and carrots tossed with olive oil, cumin and lime juice.
3. Salmon: Salmon is a special fish because of its high content of Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are important for heart and brain heath. Omega-3’s have been shown to reduce inflammation in the body and inhibit thickening of the arteries. Making sure to get plenty of these healthy fats can also ward off depression, cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes. Flaxseeds, walnuts and sardines are other good sources of Omega-3’s.
4. Sweet Potatoes: These dark orange veggies are a delicious way to get Vitamin A, calcium and potassium in your diet. They make a great side dish mashed or baked. Slice thin and layer to make a ‘crust’ for quiches. Much better for us than white potatoes, like pumpkin, carrots and orange bell peppers, sweet potatoes don’t need any added ingredients to taste sweet and yummy.
5. Berries: Blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries are among the very best source of antioxidants. Sweet and satisfying, berries contain fiber and flavor that can ward off sugar cravings and spikes in blood sugar. Add them to oats, yogurt, muffins, cereal and salads. Now is a great time to stock up and freeze for later in the year.
6. Broccoli: One of favorite green veggies, broccoli is an excellent source of calcium, vitamin A, C and K. Broccoli is super versatile and works as a side dish or fiber –rich filler for stir-fry, egg dishes and soups. Cut the calories and fat content of pasta and grain dishes by adding broccoli steamed, grilled, raw or roasted.
You can enjoy these super foods and know that you are giving your body nature’s very best! Enjoy and have a wonderful and healthy holiday weekend!