Power Packed Foods
Top Ten Power Packed FoodsWhat is the secret to a long and healthy life? It is in the food that we eat. As you well know, all foods are not created equal.
Eating healthy foods not only helps you lose and maintain your weight but the right foods give us all sorts of health benefits.
If your diet has consisted of foods high in fat and sugars then you may be feeling sluggish and worn down. Adding super foods can bring you out of the slump and get you energized and feeling better.
Here are ten of the top power packed foods designed to give you energy, vitality and all around good health!
Beans
Beans are great power packed foods offering lots of variety. Various
beans like kidney, navy,
lentils, chickpeas and Northern are just a few of your choices. They are high in protein and good for you. This is protein from a plant source so it contains very little fat, carbs and calories.
If fiber is a problem in your diet, eating a healthy portion of beans each day can keep your digestive system healthy.
If they give you gas, take precautions before you eat them. Soaking them first can help.
Oatmeal
You can make it yourself with rolled oats or eat the instant kind if you are in a hurry.
Oatmeal is a filling grain that also provides much needed fiber to keep hunger at bay and your blood sugar constant.
Allium Foods
This class of foods includes garlic, onions, leeks and shallots. Garlic is known for lowering cholesterol. Allium vegetables help guard the body against the risk of cancer and many other ailments.They also help lower blood pressure and prevent blood clots. Eating these power packed vegetables in their natural state especially garlic increases their health benefits.
Fruits
Fruits are filled with antioxidants such as Vitamin C and A making these the perfect power packed foods.
Antioxidants fight free radical damage in the
body and reduce the risk
of cancer. Berries such as blueberries and grapes have the highest amount of antioxidants.
Choose an array of fruits in a wide variety of colors for maximum health. The antioxidants in fruit boost the immune system to fight the effects of aging in the body.
Salmon
Eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids reduces the risk of heart disease and other conditions like atherosclerosis.
Wild
salmon is a fatty fish but it contains good fats that has been proven
to improve health in children and adults. Salmon is rich in protein which is of great use after an exercise session to build muscle tissue.
Flax Seed
Like salmon it contains omega-3 fatty acids. These seeds also contain omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids. You get a lot of power to fight high cholesterol, heart disease and diabetes with this seed.Ground flax seed can be added to fruit smoothies, sprinkled in yogurt, eaten with cereal or added to pancake mix to name a few.
Peppers
Peppers are not only colorful but they contain
antioxidants like
beta-carotene and Vitamin C. Peppers range from mild and sweet to so hot that you’ll be calling the fire department.
All peppers contain a substance called capsaicin. Capsaicin has the properties of an anti-inflammatory, a pain reliever, lowers cancer risk and heart disease.
They are good in salads, salsa and all sorts of dishes to add some fun flavors.
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts are high in fat but those fats are the good kind. Peanuts, almonds, Brazil nuts, walnuts and pistachios are all providers of good fats and protein.Crush them into a fine powder and use as a coating instead of higher carb bread crumbs. Nuts help to lower cholesterol. Eat them right out of the shell with no additives.
Acai
Acai berries are the latest and greatest in
power packed foods. This berry has been in the news lately. It is rich in antioxidants and increases energy. You can get more done and look better while doing it.
You can get Acai juice and supplements in your health food store.
Yogurt
Yogurt – The fat free variety is good for you. Yogurt contains calcium, Vitamin B, and protein.If you don’t drink milk, yogurt is an alternative to get your calcium in to build strong bones and teeth.
Live yogurt also contains friendly bacteria to help promote a healthy digestive system.
For even more power packed foods check out these feel good super foods.
Additional Articles
Eating Healthy
Learning ways to eat healthier has many health benefits and can help
you lose weight. Use these tips to start eating healthy today.
Healthy Recipes
Find a new recipe for breakfast, lunch or dinner. You will also find
snacks, appetizers, desserts and more. So check out the recipes on this site.
Fat Burning Foods
Add some of these foods to your next meal or recipe. They have natural
vitamins and minerals that will boost your fat burning furnace.