We have been discussing nutrition a lot lately, but only in the context of fitness. I would like to expand this discussion, just briefly, beyond fitness and into general well-being. The food we eat on a daily basis plays a huge rule in how we feel. Eating the right foods can help promote stamina and energy to make it through whatever the day has in store. Some of these “Superfoods” amp up your immune system and increase good mental health.
So, let’s take a minute to discuss the top three (in my opinion) Superfoods for a healthy lifestyle.
1. WATER – Water is often overlooked when analyzing healthy food choices, which is unfortunate because water makes up roughly 60% of the adult body. It is so vitally important to drink at least 8 cups of water per day (or more, depending on the intensity of your daily workouts). For starters, water helps the natural flow of your body’s systems and organs, including digestion, circulation, and the transportation of nutrients. For people looking for weight loss tips, drinking water helps curb appetite. Water deficit throughout the day may cause you to feel lethargic. Instead of grabbing another cup of coffee or an energy drink, try drinking a glass or two of water. It will give you a boost of energy without adding extra toxins to your body.
2. BLUEBERRIES – I am partial to blueberries myself. I could actually eat buckets of blueberries at a time. Lucky for me, blueberries have been named one of the best “Superfoods” of late by WebMD. “Packed with antioxidants and phytoflavinoids, these berries are also high in potassium and vitamin C, making them the top choice of doctors and nutritionists.” (WebMD, Superfoods Everyone Needs). Blueberries are a natural anti-inflammatory and can lower your risk of heart disease and cancer. Pretty phenomenal, right? Not to mention, these little gems can easily be baked into various recipes for those people who are not plain blueberry fans.
3. OMEGA-3 FISH – These fish can lower your risk of heart disease, help with arthritis, and have been linked to lowering the risk of mental illnesses, such as Alzheimer’s Disease. They are also believed to lower cholesterol, because they are high in monounsaturated fats. Omega-3 fish are usually narrowed down to salmon, herring, sardines, and mackerel. While these foods do not need to be eaten daily, you should aim to have 2-3 servings per week.
Do you have any Superfoods to add to the list? Or do you have any great recipes to go with these hidden gems (besides water)? Leave a comment below and let us know!