“Superfoods” to add to your diet

Adding a “superfood” or two to your diet is guaranteed to ramp up your nutrition!  These vegetables and fruits don’t earn the moniker “super” for nothing.  They’re so named because they pack twice the nutrition of other fruits and vegetables.  When you add a superfood to your diet, you’re supercharging your day.

 

KALE

You’ll find kale in the lettuce section of your grocery store, and if you haven’t tried it, now is the time to start.  Kale has dark green and dense leaves, and leaves foods like spinach in the dust when it comes to nutrition.  Packed with vitamins A and C, phytonutrients, carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and calcium, kale is the wunderkind of the dark, leafy greens.  Jam-packed with anti-oxidants, kale is a fantastic addition to your dinner plate.

 

Kale is great in smoothies, and much like spinach, can be thrown into virtually any fruit combination.  Blend it with bananas and strawberries for a morning pick-me-up.

 

Work kale into your lettuce salad, for an extra burst of nutrition.  As you become more accustomed to the flavor, you can gradually replace traditional iceberg lettuce with this superfood.

 

You might even try cooking roughly torn kale into stews – Italian sausage, mushrooms, and kale make a fantastic and very flavorful stew.

 

QUINOA

 

If you’re saying, “Huh?  What’s that?!” then you’re not alone.  The popularity of this ancient food has exploded in recent years, trending upward alongside the increasing popularity of gluten-free diets.

 

Quinoa is delicious, with a nutty flavor that recalls popular grains.  Quinoa is really a seed, and originates in the Andes Mountains.  It’s considered a “superfood” because it is not only considered a whole grain, but it also has the amino acid profile of a protein.  It packs a big nutritional punch, with minerals aplenty, including calcium, phosphorus, potassium, copper, zinc, magnesium, and iron.

 

Quinoa cooks up like rice, with a 2-1 ratio of water to quinoa.  Cook it with a meat or vegetable stock to add extra flavor, and combine it with your favorite steamed veggies for a delectable whole food treat.  In fact, you can use quinoa in pretty much any scenario when you might normally reach for rice.  Quinoa outpaces rice in every way when it comes to nutritional value.

 

Quinoa is very versatile, and you can eat it for breakfast in place of oatmeal.  Traditional oatmeal accompaniments like honey, nuts, or fruit all taste delicious in quinoa.

 

 

Give your energy a BOOST

If you’re feeling like a drag in the energy department, you’re not alone.  One of the chief complaints as we grow older is our lack of energy and verve.  If you’re looking for ways to boost your energy, you’re in the right place.  Today we have a long list of ways that you can jump-start your energy levels, giving you that feeling you’re so eager to recapture.

EAT FISH

Fish is a healthy animal protein packed with omega-3 fatty acids.  Omega-3’s have many benefits, including alleviating symptoms of depression, and spurring on an energetic and happy feeling.  Fish alternatives with the same benefits include flaxseed, walnuts, or fish oil supplements.

CHECK YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE

Those men with chronically elevated blood pressure are prone to sustained fatigue.  Getting your blood pressure treated by a physician can help you to regain your energy and joie de vive.

HYDRATE!

Drinking plenty of fluids is a way to supply the body with plenty of energy.  If you grow dehydrated, you are prone to feelings of tiredness.  If you are “dry,” then so is one of your prime sources of energy.

INCREASE YOUR FIBER INTAKE

Researchers have discovered a link between fiber intake and your energy levels.  For those who eat more fiber, they experience more energy and vitality.  Fiber is also good for so many other aspects of your health; you really can’t go wrong when you increase your fiber.

SNACK REGULARLY

Choosing healthy snacks throughout the day can help fuel your body.  People experience fatigue when they allow their blood sugar to dip too low.  Food fuels the body; eating fruits, vegetables, and other snacks like whole-grain crackers or nutrition bars are a prime way to keep your energy levels high.

ENSURE YOUR THYROID IS HEALTHY

A malfunctioning thyroid may be the culprit if you’re experiencing chronic fatigue.  If you suspect your low energy isn’t just a function of a poor diet or insufficient exercise, you may want to rule out thyroid problems with your doctor.

FIRE UP THE SUNLIGHT

Perhaps you live in a part of the country that doesn’t get much sunshine.  Those who live in parts of the world that don’t get much sunshine sometimes experience fatigue as a result of having a low Vitamin D intake.  Be sure to take a Vitamin D supplement, if needed, and consider getting a sunlamp and follow recommended exposure times each day.