Foods that are super nutritious, low in calories, improve your overall health and help you succeed with your weight loss plan.
The next time you're at the market, stock up on these...
Cabbage
This vegetable is a heavy component in Asian cooking and has tons of nutrients. It contains a chemical that increases your body's creation of enzymes that combat damaging free radicals and can reduce your risk of cancer.
One cup of cabbage has just 72 calories, making it a fiber rich, health food that won't expand your waistline. One easy way to incorporate cabbage into your diet is to add it to sandwiches and salads, replacing iceberg lettuce.
Swiss Chard
Another leafy green, this slightly salty, slightly bitter vegetable comes from the Mediterranean. Swiss chard provides lutein and zeaxanthin, which protect retinas from becoming damaged.
The more lutein and zeaxanthin you consume, the more protected your eyes will be. You can easily prepare chard in a sauté pan or wok, adding garlic for flavor.
Guava
High in potassium, this obscure fruit is native to the tropics. A guava actually has 63 percent more potassium than one medium size banana. It's also high in fiber, with nearly 9 grams of fiber to each cup of guava.
This super food is easy to prepare, you just eat it ' the entire fruit is edible. Not every grocer will carry guava, so try higher end grocery stores or markets that cater to the Latin population.
Cinnamon
This is a yummy spice that can be added to your diet in a variety of ways. You can sprinkle a little on top of your low fat latte, add it to your cereal, or oatmeal.
Cinnamon actually helps to control blood sugar, and helps your cells to metabolize sugar. Adults with type-2 diabetes, who consumed an average of ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon each day for 6 weeks, experienced a decrease in their blood sugar and their cholesterol, making cinnamon a super healthy addition to your diet.
Pomegranate Juice
This juice has actually been linked to decreasing blood pressure. It is high in Vitamin C and because it's a powerful juice, you don't need much. Look for brands that offer no added sugar.
Pumpkin Seeds
You don't have to wait for Halloween to enjoy these yummy treats. Eat them shells and all. They are high in magnesium and low in calories, offering a healthy form of fiber. You can find them at the market, close to other nuts and seeds.
Prunes
They aren't just for old people. Prunes are actually dried plums and in recent years have been marketed as such. They are extremely high in antioxidants that help prevent cell damage and reduce your risk of some cancers.
These super foods can easily be incorporated into your weight loss program without sacrificing your calorie conscious ways.
So take a few extra laps around the market next time and throw some of these into your basket for better health!
Today's busy lifestyles leave us with little time to think about let alone prepare healthy meals. The alternative is often reaching for highly processed convenience foods. These foods are often high in sodium, refined carbohydrates, and saturated fats. They leave us feeling full however this feeling quickly turns to feeling lethargic.
It doesn't need to be this way! You can eat not only to feel full but also to look good, feel good and possibly prevent diseases and increase longevity.
Healthy options don't need to be time consuming or difficult to prepare; they come down to smart choices. Here are 5 in season super foods to get you started.
1. Apples. Packed with antioxidants including vitamin C, needed for healthy skin and gums. Contain pectin (a soluble fibre) that can help to lower cholesterol and keep a healthy digestive system
The best way to have an apple is just as it is, but for a change try having them roasted and sprinkled with a little cinnamon
2. Blackberries. Help to protect against infections and cancers, as they are rich in vitamin C. A good source of potassium which may protect against hypertension
Try mixing them with bio-live organic yoghurt or add to your favourite smoothie.
3. Pumpkin and Squash. They are packed full of the cancer inhibitors beta carotene and alpha carotene and a good source of protein. Pumpkin seeds are an excellent source of zinc, important in maintaining a healthy immune system.
A simple way to prepare pumpkin and squash as part of a meal is to have it roasted. Simply peel and dice into large pieces adding a little olive oil and seasoning and then roasting for approximately 40minutes.
The seeds also make a quick snack. To prepare, simply boil for 5 minutes and then bake for about an hour.
4. Mushrooms. They are potentially very important in fighting cancers in particular prostate cancer, as they are higher in selenium than most other vegetables.
Make a simple mushroom omlette or add them to a sandwhich to add a nice texture.
5. Kale. The super food of super foods! Kale ontains one of the highest levels of antioxidants of any vegetable and is also rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, which can prevent vision loss in old age.
Chop finely and sautee with a little garlic or be adventurous and have a go at making the traditional Portuguese soup ‘caldo verde'; A soup with a potato base and finely chopped kale. Most recipes add chorizo but caldo verde can also be enjoyed as a vegetarian dish.
There are many more super foods out there, this list is to inspire and get you started. Choosing to eat in season super foods will not only help you to look good and feel good, being in season will also ensure they are fresher, taste better and cost less. Enjoy!
Both Debbie Sipe & Rosa Coelho are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Debbie Sipe has sinced written about articles on various topics from Obesity, Lose Weight and Fitness. Debbie endeavors to encourage women to take care of their bodies and feed their minds with good positive thoughts. She shares her expertise on and. Debbie Sipe's top article generates over 3600 views. to your Favourites.
Rosa Coelho has sinced written about articles on various topics from Heart Conditions, Home Management and Fitness. Rosa is a Personal Trainer and Performance Coach at Dax Moy Personal Training Studios in Islington, London. Rosa's specialisation is in applying a holistic approach to health and fitness. For more information about Rosa visit. Rosa Coelho's top article generates over 3600 views. to your Favourites.