10 Healthy Foods to Eat Daily
Take a look inside your refrigerator and your pantry? What do you see? Do you see a wide variety of healthy foods or do you see an abundance of processed foods?
If you see more processed foods than you like, it may be time to start making some healthy choices. Luckily, eating healthy doesn’t have to mean eating tasteless, boring foods. You can start easily by incorporating these ten foods into your diet on a daily basis.
- Eggs: Eggs have long been on the list of healthy foods. Eggs are high in protein and full of nutrients and healthy fat. Of course, eggs are a staple for breakfast, but they can easily be added to a salad, ramen or other dishes – making them extremely versatile.
- Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries are not only nutritious but delicious. Full of antioxidants, add berries to smoothies, yogurt, and salads.
- Broccoli: Studies have shown that broccoli can decrease your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. It is low in calories, and one cup contains your entire daily dose of vitamin C and vitamin K. Add it to salads, stir fry, or even grill it during the summer months, to easily incorporate broccoli to your diet.
- Oats: Full of fiber and loaded with vitamins and minerals, oats are extremely popular these days. Oats have been shown to lower cholesterol and improve blood sugar control. Prepare oatmeal for breakfast, add it to your yogurt, or grind oats fine to make a coating for oven-baked chicken.
- Nuts: Known for being a good source of fat, fiber, and protein, nuts are often recommended as a healthy snack. Additionally, nuts have been shown to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Nuts are relatively high in calories, so smaller portions are advised. Nutritionists say that almonds, pistachios, walnuts, and cashews are some of the best options.
- Olive Oil: The Mediterranean Diet has long touted the use of olive oil due to its high levels of oleic acid and antioxidants. Oleic acid has been shown to reduce inflammation in the body, while antioxidants reduce your risk of chronic diseases. Additionally, olive oil is low in saturated fat. Because olive oil is resistant to high heat, it is an excellent oil for pan-frying. Use it in stir fry, salad dressings, and other recipes which may call for other oils.
- Teas: Green tea, jasmine tea, rooibos tea, and hibiscus tea are among the top teas to drink when it comes to your health. Teas contain antioxidants which help your body protect itself from free radicals which can damage cells. Try adding some tea to your daily diet – either hot or iced.
- Beans: Beans such as black beans, black-eyed peas, and kidney beans are full of vitamins and protein. Beans are a great addition to soups, salads, and chilis. Additionally, you can use them to make purees for dips and spreads.
- Leafy Greens: This one is no surprise on the list of healthy things to eat. Spinach, kale, collards, and romaine are amongst the healthiest of the greens. They can easily be wilted down and added to omelets, quiche, and soups. Of course, you can always do a quick rough chop and add them to a salad.
- Sweet Potatoes: For those who are looking for a healthy carbohydrate, give sweet potatoes a try. High in fiber and vitamins, they are a nutritional powerhouse that has been shown to improve your immunity and lower your blood pressure. Sweet potato hash is a great dish for breakfast, and baked sweet potatoes make for a great side dish for lunch or dinner.
Are you ready to start incorporating some of these healthy foods into your daily diet? Which ones do you eat already? Which ones are you willing to try? Do you have any favorite recipes that incorporate these foods? Feel free to share them below!
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