When it comes to making good eating choices, it always helps to have the advice of people who know what they’re talking about. Registered dieticians are the perfect resource for knowing what foods to buy and which ones to avoid. Taking their advice nets you meals and snacks that are full of nutrients and great for weight maintenance. Here’s what the best dieticians include in their typical meal plan.
1 Eat Broccoli, but Eat It Raw
Broccoli is a prime choice because studies show that it is rich in glucosinolates, which are plant compounds that are proven to help prevent cancer. The experts warn that raw broccoli is much higher in these nutrients than cooked, so try it in salads or with dip instead of cooking it. I promise, it tastes just as great!
Frequently asked questions
2 Have a Big Glass of Almond Milk
For people who have to avoid lactose, almond milk is the best alternative. It can be used in baking, on cereal or plain and contains good amounts of calcium and vitamin D. It’s also got a healthy dose of protein and the flavor is great so you won’t feel deprived. Even if you can have typical dairy, almond milk on occasion is a choice suggested by multitudes of registered dieticians.
3 Start Cooking with More Fresh Herbs
Dried herbs are good, but using fresh gives you more antioxidants and can treat various health ailments, such as poor digestion. Fresh herbs are great for homemade salad dressings, marinades and salads. Mix and match your favorites to create exciting new dishes all the time. Try dill in a veggie salad or basil on a slice of pizza.
4 Try a Superfood – Quinoa
Quinoa is definitely getting its 15 minutes of fame! It’s a complex carb that’s packed with iron, B vitamins and fiber. That means it fills your belly and keeps you feeling full for very few calories. It also helps give your body energy, promotes healthy digestion and might even fight off heart disease. It’s good cold or hot in salads, soups or as a replacement for rice.
5 Eat a Handful of Nuts for a Snack
You can’t really go wrong with nuts. They are packed with fiber and protein and make a great snack when paired with cheese or fruit. Go easy on them though because they are higher in calories than other snacks even if they are super healthy. You might also try nuts on salads, in oatmeal or as a tasty addition to trail mix.
6 Add Kale to Your Salads
It’s not a garnish anymore. Kale is a superfood chock full of a plethora of nutrients you need to be healthy. That includes calcium, iron, vitamin K, fiber and more. It has a pleasantly leafy flavor that works well in mixed veggie salads. It also tastes heavenly in soups or sautéed with garlic as a side dish. Yum!
7 A Square of Dark Chocolate
Rejoice! Yes, the top nutrition experts say it’s fine to eat chocolate every day. The trick is to choose dark chocolate as it’s a much healthier choice than the milk variety. Stick to small portions and balance it with other splurges so you don’t overdo it on fat, calories or sugar. Dark chocolate is a great way to end the day.
Which of these foods do you eat? Do you plan on trying any that are new to you? Let me know how it goes!
