When we first hear the term “superfoods,” many may only recognize them as just foods that have superior nutritional value; however, not only are they ideal to include in any diet, they also have properties that can fight certain diseases, and they benefit you far beyond what more terrible nutritional choices can.
These foods are often more common and easier to come by than many of us might think. A lot of people feel like eating healthy is too expensive or time-consuming; however, it’s surprisingly just the opposite!
Particularly when dealing with superfoods, they’re easy to grab at the grocery store and even easier to prepare.
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To eat healthy, you don’t necessarily have to order a salad with low-fat dressing every day; eating healthy actually presents you with some great options and some foods that can truly improve your health, and even your clarity of thought.
Here’s just a few of your options:
1. Avocado — Avocado is a great alternative to oil or butter, and can also be eaten like a typical fruit or vegetable. It’s rich in omega-3s, and while many will say that it’s fattening, the fats in avocado are actually healthy for you.
2. Blueberries — They’re one of the single-most antioxidant-rich food items on earth and pack plenty of fiber for an even greater health benefit. You can truly never have too many blueberries, and they are delicious fresh or frozen!
3. Quinoa — As far as grains go, quinoa is one of the best, largely in part because of its high protein content (about 8 grams per serving). Complex carbs make it a fairly complete meal item in and of itself. It’s also extremely easy to cook; just boil one cup of quinoa in two cups of water (or broth) and then let it set.
4. Salmon — Once again, omega-3s make this item a superfood favorite. Salmon also has great flavor and plenty of protein, making it a reliable centerpiece for any meal. It also goes great on a bed of greens with olive oil.
5. Spinach — Vitamin A, C and K, potassium and fiber are all in the mix when you’re talking about spinach, or any dark leafy green for that matter. It’s a better choice than iceberg lettuce, which is going to be more water than anything else.
As a general rule, the darker the leaf, the better it is for you.
6. Almonds — Vitamin E, healthy fats and protein make raw almonds one of the best snacking options of the superfood lineup. They’re quick and easy to eat, and can also go great with salads or even certain breads and desserts.
7. Black Coffee — Before you add all the sugar, creamer and whipped topping, a cup of coffee is actually really good for you. The boost of caffeine is fine (in moderation) and you'll get plenty of antioxidants to go along with that boost.
8. Green Tea — Perhaps the holy grail of healthy hot drinks, green tea is packed with antioxidants and is thought to be one of the single-healthiest things a human being can consume. Other properties in green tea are thought to improve cognition and memory. It’s also got some natural caffeine, though much less than a cup of coffee.
Working Them All In
The great thing about these foods is that they’re easy to work into an everyday meal plan. If you’re looking for a way to improve your diet, but don’t want to sacrifice great-tasting food, these are all great options because of their flavor, and ability to be mixed with other foods and meals.
Don’t settle for fast food and frozen dinners. If you put a little bit of thought and time into your meals, incorporating superfoods can easily be a daily occurrence.
About the Author:
Virginia Cunningham is a freelance writer and health enthusiast living in the Los Angeles area. As a writer for NorthWest, she is able to share her knowledge of personal health and wellness, and finds that these top superfoods are some of the best out there. What superfoods do you include in your diet? Share your comments below!
Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored or paid guest-post. I was interested in her article and hence am sharing it here in my space.
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