When you eat, you want foods that nourish your body and satisfy your hunger, but that also taste good. The foods you put on your plate play a pretty big role in your overall health. A junk food diet can lead to nutrient deficiencies, which wreak havoc on your insides and your outside. If you’re trying really hard to make better food choices, you have to try the items on this list. Each one is packed with nutrients, but also tastes good so you won’t feel like your dieting.
1 Stock up on Lemons
You don’t want to eat a lemon plain (though you certainly can), but lemons earn top ranks for several reasons. A lemon has loads of vitamin C, which your body needs to promote healthy immunity. In addition, studies show that lemons may actually inhibit the growth of cancer cells in your body. Add lemon to your water or use it to make homemade salad dressings.
Frequently asked questions
2 Enjoy a Creamy Avocado
If anyone has ever told you that avocados are too fatty, you need to ignore them. Yes, avocados are higher in calories than other fruits and vegetables, but they also contain a ton of healthy fats, which are important for keeping your heart and brain in tip top shape. In fact, research shows that eating avocados can actually lower your cholesterol. Add avocados to your salad or use it in place of mayo on a turkey sandwich.
3 Salmon is a Yummy Choice
It’s no surprise that salmon makes the list, right? This fish is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which your body needs for a healthy brain, heart, skin and hair. Salmon is great for people trying to lose weight because it satisfies your appetite and prevents hunger pangs before your next meal. It’s also a prime source of protein, which you need for virtually every bodily function. Eat your salmon grilled or baked to keep it healthy.
4 You Can’t Go Wrong with Garlic
Most people don’t nibble on garlic raw or plain, but cooking with it boosts your intake of allicin, a plant compound that helps battle high cholesterol and blood pressure levels. It also contains antioxidants that allow your body to fight off free radical damage that can lead to all sorts of health issues. Use garlic in marinades, dressings or pasta sauce.
5 Beans Really Are the Magical Fruit
Beans earn top ranks among most health experts across the world. Why? Because they are loaded with fiber, which helps control appetite so you don’t eat as much. They also contain protein and a plethora of other nutrients. Research shows that people who eat beans on a regular basis can reduce their risk of heart disease by nearly 25 percent. Toss beans into a salad, a pot of soup or mash them to make a dip for crackers.
6 Sip Some Kefir Today
Kefir is like a thinned out yogurt. It contains a ton of probiotics, which keeps your gut in perfect working order, which in turn promotes good health throughout your body. Kefir is also a good source of calcium, which you need for strong bones. Choose low-sugar kefir to keep your calorie intake from getting out of control.
7 Spoon up a Bowl of Oatmeal
In research studies, oatmeal has been shown to lower cholesterol levels and keep insulin levels in check. Oatmeal has a lot of fiber, which as you know helps prevent you from overeating. Add some fruit to boost nutrient intake, but go easy on the sugar when you enjoy oatmeal.
8 Have Boiled Potatoes with Dinner
Cooked, unpeeled potatoes are great for filling your body with Vitamin C, potassium, and other vital nutrients you need. Compared with other high carb foods, they're extremely filling which will keep hunger at bay for quite awhile.
9 Eggs for Breakfast Anyone
The age old debate of eggs has been disproved and removed from the shelves (sorta!) Even though eggs are high in cholesterol, it's the good kind for you AND their protein benefits outweigh the bad. Filling to the body, and filled with essential amino acids, you can never go wrong with a serving of eggs in the morning.
10 Popcorn and a Movie Please!
Popcorn is an excellent choice for a snack at night. If you're going to pick anything, it's the healthiest of all snack options. It also is high in fiber and low in energy density. However, you should air pop it yourself and stay away from too much butter and salt because that takes away its nutritious value.
