When we think about eating well, many of us forget one crucial component.
While we’re cutting calories, passing up break room treats, we’re not getting our fruits and veggies.
It’s time for you to reacquaint yourself with the produce section at the store, for more reasons than it’s the slimmest section.
You already know how helpful fruits and vegetables can be for losing weight.
You probably also know that fruits and vegetables are loaded with vitamins and minerals your body needs to function.
But do you know that they are also loaded with phytonutrients and other compounds that both improve your health and help you function at peak efficiency?
Some of these compounds can only be obtained by consuming fruits and vegetables, juices and canned fruit don’t cut it.
Try some of these scrumptious foods to help you feel and look better. They’re even sweet enough to satisfy your sweet tooth!
POMEGRANATES
Research shows the arils and juice of the pomegranate contain potent antioxidants that can heal vascular damage.
I always sprinkle a handful of pomegranate seeds over my lunch salads to enjoy more antioxidants and have something sweet for lunch.
APPLES
Mama always said an apple a day keeps the doctor away, and she just might be right.
One medium apple contains 4 grams of soluble fiber, a full 17% of what you need each day, along with Vitamin C for the immune system.
Apples also contain quercetin, a compound with antihistamine properties that may also help with allergies.
Whenever practical, check your farmers’ market. Your grocery store only carries a few of the more than 7,000 varieties of apples grown worldwide. Your farmers’ market will offer many others.
Apples are delicious, but would get boring eating them plain every day.
Try some of these ideas that will blow your mind!
- Spread apple slices with a bit of natural peanut or almond butter
- Slice a Granny Smith and add it to a turkey sandwich
- Spread cream cheese on apple wedges
- Mix a diced sweet apple with fennel and crunchy endive for a refreshing side salad with lunch or dinner, or just for a snack
- Preheat oven to 225°. Thinly slice an apple and arrange the slices on a baking sheet. Bake for 1 hour, flip, and return to the oven until crisp. Let cool completely before enjoying.
- Melt some dark chocolate in the microwave or a double boiler. Dip apple slices and sprinkle with chopped nuts. Chill in fridge until the chocolate hardens.
CHERRIES
According to The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth by Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., inflammation is responsible for many problems that are so common, and it especially causes problems in the vascular system.
Loaded with anthocyanins, tart cherries are one of the best foods you can eat to fight inflammation.
BLACKBERRIES
A single serving of blackberries contains more than a third of the vitamin K you need each day, along with potent phytonutrients and lutein, an antioxidant that promotes eye health and protects against macular degeneration.
Men, in particular, should snack on blackberries regularly, as they have been shown to reduce prostate cancer risk.
Hint: Try adding a handful of fresh berries/cherries to a cup of low-fat Greek yogurt and drizzle a bit of raw honey over the top.
I’ve found it’s an effective way to satisfy my sweet cravings without feeling guilty.
LEMONS
Lemons contain citric acid that stimulates digestion and breaks down lipids.
Every morning, drink a glass of water and squeeze half a lemon.
This has been shown to promote liver health and stimulate the gallbladder.
Fresh lemon juice can also help reduce fatigue and anxiety while improving concentration and alertness.
How to ditch a sugary drink addiction:
Water is fantastic for your health, but can be rather boring.
- Try to add a couple of lemon wedges, strawberries, cucumber slices, or other fruits you like to your water bottle, stir and chill in the refrigerator for a couple of hours.
- You can also freeze lemon juice in an ice tray to add to your water.
You may find you don’t even miss your usual sugary drinks.
