By: Team 1
In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it can become easy to fall into a trap of burnout and bad habits. The average person may not feel they have the time or intuition to have a healthy diet, but there are plenty of great options to look at when buying groceries to sustain a healthy lifestyle. Incorporating a balanced and nutritious diet can greatly alter how a person can feel and can lead to a more freeing and positive mindset. Here are some foods that can help change your lifestyle.
1. Kale-
I'm sure by now you have heard about Kale and what it looks like, but not everyone has really tried eating it, or even know what it is good for. The three main nutritional factors that make up kale would be calcium, vitamin C, and the number of antioxidants it carries. It is a great food for cleaning out unwanted toxins from the body, and keeping you feel fresh. You can use kale raw in things like smoothies or salads, or you can get creative and cook kale in a pan and add it to dishes with peppers, chicken, potatoes, etc... Kale has also been proven to help with bone strength, which is important to take care of the older we get.
2. Avocado-
Avocados are another green superfood that can provide a tasty and healthy boost to your diet. They can be eaten as is, with garnish such as lemon or chili powder, or chopped/mashed in meals like mexi bowls, salads, eggs, smoothies, etc... Avocadoes are great because not only are they good for you, but they are very filling, so they will tie you over as a snack. Some people may argue that avocadoes are not all that great because of the higher amount of fats, but the fats in avocadoes are indeed healthy fats, rich with vitamin B, vitamin E, vitamin K, and fibers.
3. Quinoa-
Quinoa is a trendy new grain that is both healthy and sweeping the nation. A unique fact about quinoa is that it is actually a seed that is prepared and eaten as a grain. For such a small seed, quinoa packs a surprising amount of fiber and protein. One cup of cooked quinoa contains 10 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber. This grain can be used in quite a variety of ways, but the best is quinoa-based rice. This rice is rich with nutrients and can be a healthy base to add to most dishes, including chicken, steak, salads, and even chipotle introduced quinoa rice to its menu for a limited time as well.
4. Oatmeal-
Not just a breakfast food, oatmeal is another great addition to any balanced diet. Like most of the foods on this list, oatmeal is rich in nutrients and contains high levels of protein, antioxidants, fibers, and healthy fats. Oatmeal is also proven to help lower cholesterol levels, which is important to watch as we get older. For those who feel their skin could be looking better, oatmeal has been found to be used in various skincare products, and people who have added oatmeal to their diets have found clearer and overall healthier skin.
5. Almonds-
Last but not least, almonds are a fantastic snack for any situation, and have many proven health benefits. The main appeal of almonds are the high amounts of magnesium, fibers, and calcium that they provide. Not only that, but they are low in calories and are very filling, which can help reduce hunger. You can eat almonds as is or add them to a tasty fruit parfait or low calories baked good for a healthy snack.
There are plenty of other great foods out there that can help people live more nutritiously as well that are more accessible than some might think. Eating a balanced and nutritious diet is a major step towards living a long and healthy life. By taking care of ourselves in the kitchen, we can become healthier not only physically, but mentally as well, creating a clean and happy mind.