Forget the cape and tights! Unleashing your inner superhero is all about what you fuel your body with. Sure, battling villains might be out of the picture, but with the right superfoods, you can conquer your day with glowing skin, boundless energy, and a body that feels fantastic.
"Choose wisely what you put into and do to your body - you only get one in your lifetime - make it last." - anonymous
But what exactly qualifies as a superfood?
Ditch the idea of some mystical fruit granting you laser vision. Superfoods are all-stars in the nutrition world, packing a punch of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants into every bite. Think of them as tiny shields protecting your cells and giving you the power to fight fatigue and free radicals [1].
The Best Part?
These super saviors aren't hidden in some remote jungle. They're everyday fruits, veggies, and pantry staples you can easily add to your diet. So, ditch the boring and embrace the power of these top 5:
Leafy Green League: Kale, spinach, collard greens – these aren't just for Popeye anymore! Leafy greens are champions of vitamins A, C, E, and K, and they're loaded with fiber for a healthy digestive system [2]. Plus, with a little creativity (hello, smoothies and wraps!), they can be surprisingly delicious.
Berry Squad: These little antioxidant powerhouses come in a rainbow of colors (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries) and act like tiny shields protecting your cells from damage [1]. They're also a great source of vitamin C, making them a superhero snack option [3].
Salmon Squad: Don't underestimate the power of fish! Salmon is a superhero for your heart and brain, packed with omega-3 fatty acids that keep them both functioning at their best [4]. It's also a great source of protein and vitamin D, essential for strong bones and a healthy immune system [5].
Nutty Bunch: Almonds, walnuts, pistachios – these crunchy champions are more than just a delicious snack. They're a fantastic source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber, keeping you feeling fuller for longer and giving your brain the fuel it needs to fire on all cylinders [6].
Pulses Power: Lentils, beans, chickpeas – these budget-friendly legumes are powerhouses of plant-based protein and fiber [7]. They also come with a variety of vitamins and minerals, making them a well-rounded addition to any diet.
Supercharge Your Day, Not Your Schedule
Adding these superfoods doesn't have to take hours in the kitchen. Here are some sneaky ways to incorporate them into your day:
Breakfast Blitz: Blend some berries and spinach into your morning smoothie for a quick and nutritious breakfast.
Snack Attack: Stash a bag of nuts or a can of chickpeas in your bag for a hunger-busting superhero snack.
Dinner Dash: Sneak chopped spinach into scrambled eggs or add lentils to your next pasta sauce. You won't even taste it (probably)!
Remember, you are what you eat. So, ditch boredom and embrace the power of these top 5 superfoods. You might not get to swing from buildings (although the energy boost might make you feel like you could!), but you'll definitely feel like a superhero from the inside out!
"The doctor of the future will no longer treat the human frame with drugs, but rather will cure and prevent disease with nutrition." - Thomas Edison
The ABC's of Nutrition
 Did you know large percentages of Americans simply aren’t getting enough of many essential nutrients from their diet alone? For example:*
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·      94.3% don’t get enough vitamin DÂ
·      88.5% don’t get enough vitamin EÂ
·      52.2% don’t get enough magnesium
·      44.1% don’t get enough calcium
You need calcium and magnesium for bone health (+ much more).
You need vitamin A for your eye health and immune responses.
Vitamin C and E are antioxidants that help protect and repair every cell in your body.Â
Yet most of us aren’t getting enough of these vital nutrients––and others––that our body cannot make.
Want to learn more...Join our challenge starting March 4th. https://www.facebook.com/groups/715880134025644
References:
[1] National Institutes of Health: Office of Dietary Supplements - Antioxidants https://ods.od.nih.gov/
[2] Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Leafy Green Vegetables https://www.eatright.org/food/food-groups/vegetables
[3] Linus Pauling Institute: Vitamin C https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/vitamins/vitamin-C
[4] National Institutes of Health: Office of Dietary Supplements - Omega-3 Fatty Acids https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Omega3FattyAcids-HealthProfessional/
[5] National Institutes of Health: Office of Dietary Supplements - Vitamin D https://ods.od.nih.gov/Research/VitaminD.aspx
[6] Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health: The Nutrition Source - Nuts and Healthy Fats https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/
[7] Mayo Clinic: Beans and Legumes: Powerhouse of Nutrients https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/multimedia/health-foods/sls-20076653
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