If you’re still stuck in a rut eating chocolates and Easter eggs, then it’s time to pull yourself out and get yourself back on track.
Here are 5 foods that should be eaten just about every day:
- Greens. No, not green Easter eggs, or green M & M’s. Leafy, green vegetables are considered a “super” food for the vast amount of vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals they contain. Greens such as lettuce and spinach leaves, which can be simply washed down and eaten raw, can be included in salads, sandwiches and accompany just about any lunch or dinner meal. They have the added benefit of containing fibre and water to help flush your body of toxins and waste and keep you not only looking and feeling better, but functioning optimally at the cellular level.
- Fish. Packed with protein and essential fatty acids, fish, in particular salmon and tuna, is a great alternative to red meat several times per week. Consuming sufficient protein can be difficult without risking an increase in cholesterol if red meat and eggs are your main source. While fish contains relatively high levels of fat, it’s the “essential” omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids which actually help reduce your cholesterol and manage your appetite. Fish has all of these! Eat it fresh from the market or deli or out of a can with spring water.
- Almonds. The raw, unsalted variety! Almonds are a wonderful snack and travel very easily in a container or bag so you are never without a healthy snack at hand. Almonds contain essential fats and small quantities of protein and fibre. Almonds are preferred to other varieties of nuts as their fat content isn’t too high and they are easily purchased raw and unsalted, unlike most other nuts.
- Green Tea. It’s not a “food” but green tea is a fantastic alternative to coffee and regular black tea. Caffeine gets a lot of negative reviews, however studies show that in moderate quantities it can enhance your metabolism. Green tea doesn’t contain as much caffeine as regular coffee does plus it is full of antioxidants. Combined with the other foods mentioned here, it is a very good “food” to consume to maximise your health.
- Water. You can’t get enough of it, that’s why it cannot be left out of this article. Water is literally “the source” of health and vitality. Most of your body is made up of water and it is so easily secreted from the cells that it must constantly be replenished and “topped up.” Gorge yourself with water each day. Don’t be afraid of flushing minerals and salts from your body, that doesn’t happen very easily. Your body is in a constant state of repair and renewal and needs water to help it keep you functioning properly.
There you go. Go out and buy these foods right now and start replacing the chocolates with almonds, the booze with water and green tea, load your plate with salad and cook yourself a nice juicy steak for dinner…..a tuna steak, that is!
About the Author
Ryan Mitchell is the owner of Evolution Fitness Centre and is a qualified personal trainer and strength and conditioning coach. Ryan is dedicated to helping people achieve their health and fitness goals and draws on his experience and knowledge gained from training people of all ages and fitness levels. Ryan is a former Australian Powerlifiting Champion and Australian team member.
