Many of us don’t have the time to adhere to strict and rigorous exercise routines. Between a hard day’s work and our passion projects, we have too much on our plate. Exercise is great for achieving specific fitness goals such as weight loss, toned muscles, and cardiovascular health. However, many argue that what we eat plays a much larger role in achieving these goals. Sustaining a healthy diet is key to successfully improving physical and mental health. That being said, there are several factors that put consumers off diets in the first place. These include the time-consuming nature of adhering to a diet and the inability to enjoy specific food groups within certain diets. While these are characteristics of some diets, it is important to note that sustaining a healthy diet doesn’t have to involve these sacrifices. For those looking for improved overall health, it is more important to ensure that you are eating the right foods. Authority Health offers recommendations to improve your physical and emotional well-being beyond your diet alone, you can click here for more info.
Adding these foods to your meals can provide essential nutrients to your diet, promoting physical and mental health:
Almonds
Almonds and other nuts have extremely beneficial health properties. Almonds contain many essential nutrients. These include magnesium, vitamin E, calcium, and riboflavin. Magnesium promotes bone health, vitamin E promotes cardiovascular health, calcium regulates heart function and riboflavin aids weight loss. These are just a few substances in almonds that promote improved body function. Almonds can be easily added to a number of recipes for an added crunch and nutritional boost.
Asparagus
Asparagus is a nutritional powerhouse. This vegetable is extremely low in carbohydrates and calories. This makes it a popular food for many dietary programs. On top of that, it provides loads of Vitamin K. Vitamin K has several health benefits including improved bone, cognitive and heart health.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a staple breakfast in most homes with numerous health benefits. Oats contain complex carbohydrates and plenty of fiber. These substances help slow down digestion and regulate blood sugar levels. This promotes the function of internal organs, relieves you from fatigue and minimizes the risk of sugar spikes. Oatmeal is known for its satiety and slow release of essential energy throughout the course of the day, making it effective for a suppressed appetite.
Salmon
One of the most beneficial fish products that you can eat is salmon. Salmon provides plenty of Omega-3 fatty acids which are essential to the overall function of the body and brain. These fatty acids prevent the risk of heart disease, decrease the impact of depression and reduce inflammation. On top of its health benefits, salmon is a delectable source of protein that is fairly easy to prepare in a number of different ways.
Garlic
Garlic is a go-to ingredient for turning dull dishes into flavorsome feasts. On top of that, it has amazing health benefits. The main active ingredient in garlic, allicin, lowers blood pressure and reduces bad cholesterol. This has major positive implications for cardiovascular health. Garlic helps fight cancer as it protects the body against pathogens and free radicals which may cause damage.
Dark Chocolate
For those not prepared to give up the cravings, dark chocolate should be on your shopping list. Dark chocolate has a range of essential antioxidants that promote overall health. Ingredients such as fiber, iron, magnesium, copper, and manganese reduce blood pressure and boost brain performance. Replace your chocolate craving with dark chocolate for these health benefits.
By making these foods regular additions to your meal plan, you can reap the benefits of their powerful health-promoting properties. Consuming these foods is an affordable method of providing essential antioxidants and nutrients to the body. While supplements may seem a more efficient method, they often do not yield results that are as beneficial. Using these foods as a source of nourishing vitamins will require you to spend more time in the kitchen. This will boost your culinary skills and allow you to be more adventurous with what you eat.
