I love to blog about rich, fattening foods here, but I also think about my health. With a rambunctious two year old, I need to do all I can to maintain my health, in hopes of being able to keep up with him!
So here are ten healthy foods I plan to start incorporating into my diet:
10. Garlic
Okay, many of us think of garlic as a way to ward off vampires, but it can also ward off the common cold and the flu. Garlic has many vitamins, including C and B6. It is also believed to help protect you from diseases like diabetes and cancer.
9. Barley
Those that are worried about cholesterol should look to barley for help. You can add it to homemade soups or mix barley flakes in with your morning corn flakes. It produces butyric acid, which helps in fighting colon cancer.
8. Yogurt
Yogurt can be a tasty sweet substitute for things like ice cream and cake. It can help your immune system and stop bad breath (maybe you can have yogurt for dessert after having a dinner heavy in garlic!). It can help prevent yeast infections in women and may even help you lose weight without losing muscle.
7. Olive Oil
This is one that I already try to use quite a bit. It is rich in antioxidants, which can help reduce the risk of diabetes, cancer, and heart attacks.
6. Fish
You’ve probably heard this one for years, but seriously, fish is very beneficial. Salmon contains protein, niacin, and Omega-3, a great fatty acid that helps give you a healthy cardiovascular system.
5. Tomatoes
My husband is very anti-tomato, but I love them! They contain fiber, are low in calories and are packed with vitamins C, A and lycopene. This fruit (often mislabeled a vegetable) can also help prevent certain types of cancer.
4. Beans
Another high fiber food, beans are also great ways to get more protein, iron, and antioxidants. Yes, they are a carbohydrate, but they are a complex carbohydrate, so that means more energy and I think we can all use that!
3. Avocados
Avocados help lower cholesterol, have fiber, and contain vitamins C, K, and B6. Plus, they are a yummy addition to any salad!
2. Spinach
The fact that Popeye ate spinach and got stronger wasn’t just a myth! Spinach is one of the healthiest veggies you can eat, containing calcium, iron, potassium, and vitamins A, K, and C.
1. Nuts
You probably shouldn’t eat a whole can, but nuts in moderation are very healthy. Just a handful will do the trick to get you plenty of protein, monounsaturated oil, and magnesium.