The old adage, ‘health is wealth’, is often ignored in today’s fast-paced world. We are so obsessed with success and fame that we ignore ourselves. While exercise is important, it is also essential that you eat the right kind of food. We give you a list of some of the healthiest foods that you definitely need to include in your diet.
In the race to achieve success, gain fame, and earn lots of money, we often tend to ignore some of the most important things in life. One’s own health is one of those important things that is often set aside without a second thought.
We often live off junk food, grabbing a burger as we rush to work. Without a healthy and balanced diet, it can be quite impossible for your body to keep up with the physical and mental fatigue it experiences. Add to this the fact that most of us are extremely fussy eaters, especially when it comes to choosing food items that are nutritious.
In this article, we give you a list of those food items that you need to include in your diet without fail to ensure that you lead a healthy lifestyle.
APPLES
Most of us know that apples are very nutritious. The pectin found in apples prevents the body from absorbing too much fat, and the pectin is also an appetite suppressant. This means that once you’ve eaten an apple you won’t feel hungry for few a hours.
BEANS
Beans contain a lot of fiber which helps in satiating hunger as well as reducing the amount of fat in the body. It is also abundant in minerals like calcium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, etc., complex carbohydrates, and proteins.
BROCCOLI
Broccoli is very rich in vitamins, calcium and fiber. Coming from the cabbage family, this vegetable is also very effective in the absorption of iron within the body. It is also helpful in reducing weight, cholesterol, and also controls diabetes to an extent.
CEREAL
High fiber cereal based foods in your diet can include various rice or wheat flakes which have a low sugar content and can be eaten with skimmed milk. You can add chopped fruits like strawberries, blueberries, etc. and even honey to sweeten it.
CITRUS FRUITS
Citrus fruits consist of oranges, lemons, limes and grapefruit. They are rich in anti-oxidants and also serve as anti-cancer agents. These fruits also help the body to remain hydrated. They also have been known to have anti-inflammatory and blood clotting properties.
DARK CHOCOLATE
Dark chocolate is a healthier than its lighter counterpart because it contains lesser sugar. Also, it has flavanols, which protect the body against heart disease by acting as antioxidants. It also helps in reducing cholesterol and enhancing blood circulation.
EGGS
Eggs are a rich source of protein and act as a source of nourishment for the body. Proteins are very important for muscle formation and they also ensure proper development of body. Truly one of the healthiest foods, eggs should be given every alternate day to kids.
FISH
Fish has Omega 3 fatty acids which help in keeping the blood pressure in check and reducing the deposition of cholesterol in the blood vessels. It has also been known to aid in the development of vision and brain power in infants.
NUTS AND SEEDS
Nuts are the best option for a nutritious snack, especially for diabetics. They are filled with proteins, fiber, and the right type of fats, and are a rich source of vitamin E. They also help in controlling the level of bad cholesterol in the blood, which in turn helps fight heart disease.
OATMEAL
Oatmeal is a great energy booster and helps to keep the metabolism rate high due to its high fiber content. Also, it steadies the level of blood sugar, and in turn helps prevent diabetes. It fortifies our body’s immune system and also reduces the risk of heart disease.
OLIVE OIL
Olive oil has innumerable benefits. It is one of the lightest oils that can be used for cooking. It contains zero cholesterol, which is a major boon for people with heart problems. It also helps in maintaining the blood sugar level in the body. The fats that it contains are healthy and necessary for the body.
SOY PRODUCTS
Soy products are fast becoming a very popular substitute for dairy and dairy products as they contain high levels of proteins and amino acids. They are rich in dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals. At the same time, they do not have any adverse effects on the level of cholesterol in the blood.
SPICES & HERBS
Including spices like hot peppers, cayenne peppers, cinnamon, etc., in your diet increases your metabolism. Eating spices can make you lose up to 75 calories in 2 hours. Plus, there are different types of herbs that add not only to the culinary value of the food, but also to its nutritional value.
TOMATOES
Tomatoes are one of the best anti-oxidants for our body. They contain lycopene, which helps in maintaining the health of our bones. Also, it has been found that consumption of tomatoes helps in reducing the level of bad cholesterol in the body, thus promoting good health of the heart.
TURKEY
Turkey contains selenium which has cancer preventive properties, provides a healthy immune system and also increases the metabolic level of the body. A sandwich at home is better than junk food.
YOGURT
Yogurt made from skimmed milk is one of the healthiest food items to consume. It is a great source of vitamins, proteins, calcium and vitamins. You can enhance the flavor by adding slices or cubes of your favorite fruits to it.
For a healthy lifestyle, you should try and cut down on eating out and try and cook at home as often as possible. This way you can make sure that the food you cook is made in a healthy manner. Ensure that you always eat your breakfast as it is one of the most important meals of the day. Try and include at least five servings of fruits and vegetables in your diet every day. When you are hungry between meals, try to avoid snacks like chips and replace them with food items like nuts and cereals, or even salads. Eating healthy is a lifestyle change and it may take you a while before you can ensure that your diet is a balanced and wholesome one. Do ensure that you include all or at least a majority of these healthy food items in your diet.
