Want to know the big secret to looking and feeling good? It's something I think everybody deserves to know. You've probably already heard it once before. Well, here it is..
You are what you eat.
Ok, so it's not a big secret. I mean, it's not even
technically true, but there is some merit to it. What we eat can affect our mood through the entire day. Most of the fatty, processed foods we see today not only destroy our bodies, but they pollute our spirits, and leave us feeling drained. Think about it, if we did really turn into what we ate, would you want to be the processed, fatty foods we see all around, or would you want to be a
superfood?
Superfoods are like the super heroes of food, the food all the other foods aspire to be. They are packed with nutrients, and provide a myriad of beneficial effects. Some have even shown to reduce risk of cancer. So, if you really take the phrase "you are what you eat" to heart, then do yourself a favor and chow down on those superfoods!
Wondering where to start? I've put together a list of my 9 favorite superfoods that will keep you feeling healthy and satisfied:
Kale - This power green is like spinach's bigger, buffer brother. Kale provides nutrients that support healthy hair, skin, nails and digestion, as well as reduce the risk of heart disease. With all of the vitamin A, K, C, B6, manganese, calcium, copper, potassium, and magnesium that's packed in, this leafy green can keep you energized through any adventure. Plus, it tastes great in a smoothie.
Greek yogurt - Tasty and versatile, Greek yogurt has always been noted for its probiotic boost. Besides keeping the good and bad bacteria in check, it's also loaded with amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, and with B12 to give you energy, it's the perfect workout snack. Oh, and did I mention it can also help you lose weight? Yup, with its high levels of iodine, calcium and potassium, Greek yogurt really does it all.
Açai berries - Sort of like a mega stuffed blueberry, this Amazonian fruit is given praise for many beneficial effects. They are even thought to prevent arthritis, inflammation, obesity, erectile dysfunction, neurological diseases, and allergies. These tiny berries are packed with all sorts of nutrients, and provide excellent sources of iron, calcium, oleic acid, fiber, vitamin A, and anthocyanin, a compound known to eliminate harmful free radicals from the human body.
Chia seeds - Packed with fiber, calcium, and omega 3's, this native Mexican seed provides a tasty, nutty crunch, while defending the body from harmful bacteria and free radicals. Known as one of the most nutritious foods in the world, chia seeds contains some of the highest levels of diverse nutrients. They are even thought to reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
Broccoli - Probably the most common superfood on the list, your mom always told you to finish your veggies, mom knows what's best, and now science can back up her claims. Containing phytochemicals, broccoli has been shown to benefit people with arthritis, cancer, immune system health, blood pressure levels, vision, skin health, and blood sugar disorders. While it can be tasty prepared in a dozen different ways, it is actually more nutritious consumed raw, as cooking can destroy some beneficial properties.
Black beans - This heart healthy food is a great way to add generous amounts of protein and fiber to your diet. Black beans have a diverse array of nutrients, including iron, copper, calcium, potassium, magnesium and more, giving them many different benefits. They can maintain healthy bones, lower blood pressure, manage diabetes, ward off heart disease, and even prevent cancer.
Hemp seeds - Hemp seeds have been ignored for their nutritional value for far too long. Unlike cannabis, they provide no psychoactive effect, and benefit the body in a number of ways. It is known as a "perfect protein" food, meaning it not only contains all 20 amino acids, but also the 9 essential amino acids that our bodies cannot make. They also contain an excellent ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, perfect for regulating cardiovascular health and balancing hormones. If you're looking for something to energize and cleanse the body, hemp seed is a great choice.
Cacao - Loved for its great taste and known as an aphrodisiac, this chocolatey treat offers so many great benefits. Cacao is the raw, naturally fermented, version of chocolate, making it a much more potent source of nutrients than your average Hershey's bar. Eating this powerful snack can help improve circulation, lower blood pressure, promote cardiovascular health, improve digestion, neutralize free radicals, and even enhance your mood.
Avocado - This unique fruit contains 20 different vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K, C, folate, potassium, B5, and B6. Low in carbohydrates and sodium, avocado is loaded with heart-healthy monounsaturated fatty acids, known to reduce the risk of cancer. It's high fiber even helps to regulate the digestive system. All in all, this is an excellent choice for making you feel great.
So what are you waiting for? Go grab some tasty, healthy, life changing snacks! Let me know your thoughts on my list, and what foods are your favorites in the comments below. Thank you for visiting, and be sure to come back for more stories on happy, adventure filled living!
