As a lot of you know from being my Facebook friend, I am in the middle of training for some road races coming up. In preparing for them I have been researching a lot more about eating clean (healthy) and have found that a number of foods are best for your general overall health, low in calories & rich in antioxidants/ vitamins/ minerals/ protein/ fiber. They promote a better you which is always good.
Whether you are training for a race, trying to lose weight or simply want to live a healthier lifestyle, you should consider introducing the foods I am going to list in this post into your diet.
Next time you go to the grocery store and see a box of oreos you need to: slap your hand, tell yourself NO and proceed to find some of the following:
Walnuts
Walnuts contain omega-3 fatty acids, which protect your heart and boost your brainpower.
Almonds
The monounsaturated fats and vitamin E in almonds work together to cut cholesterol.
Macadamia Nuts
In addition to containing healthy fats like other nuts, macadamias also pack in an extra dose of filling fiber.
Yogurt
Yogurt is a good source of calcium, plus probiotics for gut health. Go for the Greek variety: It boasts all of the benefits of regular yogurt plus double the protein.
Blueberries
All fruits are great for diets thanks to their water content and key antioxidants and vitamins. Blueberries, however, are a true standout—studies show they may help rev metabolism and lower blood pressure.
Whole Grains
Whole grains are packed with fiber, iron, and vitamin B.
Leafy Greens
All vegetables are low in calories, chock full of vitamins and nutrients, and high in fiber.
Celery
One of nature's lowest-calorie foods at about five calories a stem, also it packs a ton of nutrition.
Green Tea (Unsweetened)
Green tea is high in an antioxidant called ECGC, which may reduce the risk of most cancers and promotes fat burning.
Watercress
Lacks calories and it's loaded with vitamins A, C and K.
Kiwi
Here's a fun fact: Kiwis are actually giant berries. They pack fiber, potassium and vitamin E, as well as more than a day's worth of vitamin C.
Cottage Cheese
Containing about one-fifth of the calories you'll find in most cheeses, cottage cheese is a clear low-calorie winner in the dairy department.
Green Bell Pepper
In just one cup of chopped bell pepper you'll get more vitamin C than you would from an orange at about only a third of the calories.
Radish
In general all varieties of radishes share an abundance of vitamin C and help facilitate the digestive process.
Star Fruit
Is high in vitamin C and contains three grams of dietary fiber. It's also a great source of polyphenols, antioxidants that fight cardiovascular inflammation.
Cabbage
One cup is loaded with a type of isothiocyanate called sulforaphane, which increases your body's production of enzymes that disarm cell-damaging free radicals. Sulforaphane actually boosts your levels of these cancer-fighting enzymes higher than any other plant chemical, according to Stanford University scientists.
Cauliflower
The florets in this ivory cluster contain detoxifying compounds called isothiocyanates, which offer protection against forms of prostate cancer.
Tomato
Tomatoes are a good source of lycopene, the phytochemical that makes them red, and they are a prostate protector and help eliminate skin-aging free radicals caused by ultraviolet rays.
Strawberry
Packed with antioxidants, which protect you against cancer and memory loss, and immunity-boosting vitamin C, these little rubies make for a perfect low-calorie sweet treat.
***all nutritional information courtesy: www.fitbie.com ***
peace & love
bj
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