Are you eating Super Foods? Is your grocery cart a direct reflection on your life? Do you reach for easy, sodium laden, pre-made, useless foods bought in the center aisles? Or does your cart have colorful, fresh, nutrient packed foods? Foods that ward off disease and lethargy, foods that energize and fortify your zest for life. Are you aware that there are “super foods” that have properties so great, that more studies are showing that you can extend and enhance your life by eating them! I have an amazing amount of energy on a regular basis…I personally believe that if given the right foods, at the right times, your body can function like a well oiled machine. This has been studied, and proven many times in the world of health, and longevity. Everything from your hormones, to your muscles, to your ability to ward off disease can be made better, or worse, by what you eat.
Im constantly amazed at the obese, bloated, slow moving person in line, with the cart filled with diet sodas, pre-packaged foods, sweets, and empty calories. They can barely unload their carts in the parking lot, and then they leave the cart right there, while they try to wedge themselves into the car. Their skin is sallow looking, the looks on their faces lifeless and drawn. Depression, and even anger is common with this lifestyle. Then you have the local fresh market. You walk through the stores aisles noticing most shoppers are in athletic wear. They are smiling, and nodding to one another, almost like they are all onto the same secret, the fountain of youth. Their carts are full of fresh, bright colored fruits and vegetables. They have grass-fed beef, organic poultry, and wild caught fish in their carts. They have supplements like mercury free fish oil, and green teas, cinnamon, and organic dark chocolate in their basket. (Yes, chocolate!) These people are smiling, and have pep in their steps because they have made a conscious decision to take charge of their health, their energy levels, and their physical appearance! They are excited about it!
Do you regularly find yourself in a “food coma”? Do you feel lethargic, and bloated after a meal because you ate too much, or that you ate a meal loaded with bad fats? Or are you like me, someone that looks forward to tasty, filling, healthy meals that leave you energized and ready to take on the day?
Im going to give you a list of some top super foods, and supplements. I want you to add between 2 and 5 of these foods to your planned out meals, every day. See for yourself that by the end of a month, and even as soon as a week, you will start to feel better. Better because you are filling your cells with foods that they need to survive, better because you are making positive choices that energize your body.
Below is a small list of some nutrient packed, choices. I urge you to educate yourself, you only have one body, it is yours to mold into something that you are happy to be living in!
Power Packed Grocery List
YOGURT- Try Fage, or one of the greek yogurts. Loaded with “good” belly and intestine friendly bacteria that your digestive system lives on. Higher in protein, and lower in sugar than most yogurts.
BEANS- Loaded with fiber, which is crucial for elimination. Beans have a low caloric count, but high in phytonutrients, proteins, and vitamins. Beans also keep you feeling full longer, by keeping blood sugar stable.
BLUEBERRIES- Any of the Berry Family. Loaded with polyphenols, that have anti-cancer properties, fiber, polyphenols, vitamins, and antioxidants.
WALNUTS – Loaded with “good” fats. Omega 3s, most american diets are loaded with the bad fats that raise cholesterol levels, and contribute to belly fat. Walnuts have been shown to reduce belly fat in many studies, and a handful a day is a great addition to snacks, salads, or as a yogurt topper.
CHIA SEEDS – Ground Chia seeds can be purchased at any health, or natural grocery store. Ground chia seeds are a great source of fiber, loaded with Omega 3’s and Omega 6. Low carb, and high protein, for very few calories! Add to shakes, pancake mixes and yogurts, also great in meatloaf and spaghetti sauces.
SPINACH – Source of multiple nutrients, low in calories, high in vitamins B, C, and E, and alpha lipoic acid, (which some weightlifters use to speed up muscle recovery). Popeye must have been onto something right??
GREEN TEA – Used in tea, or taken in capsules, research has shown that green teas have belly fat reducing properties, as well as anti-viral, and anti-cancer fighting properties. Green tea has metabolism enhancing abilities, and can be purchased in caffeine free also.
OATS – High in fiber, low in calories, loaded with protein, minerals, and zinc for healing. Steel cut oats are best. A day started with a bowl of oats, topped with ground chia seeds, and blueberries, is a sure way to start your day with a metabolic kick, and the energy to get you through the toughest of workouts, or a stressful day at the office!
ORGANIC DARK CHOCOLATE – Believe it or not, dark chocolate has properties that kick “feel good” hormones into gear! 1-2 ounces a day, is fine, choose 70% or higher cocoa content.
I could go on, and on about how crucial these power packed foods are to your health, but, don’t take my word for it. Go shopping today, and end your day feeling great. Maybe even have a dessert of yogurt toped with walnuts, blueberries, and some dark organic chocolate shavings!
Enjoy your life, feed your body well! Start a low fat, high energy lifestyle today!
Your body will thank you!!
Dawn