The term “Superfoods” has been tossed around by leading nutritionists and trainers for the past several years. What constitutes a Superfood, you may ask? These are your most nutrient-rich foods that your body needs to maintain proper health and function. Superfoods provide key sources of Omega 3 fatty acids, iron, protein, manganese and more, which is why you should consider making a simple switch from your favorite foods to these powerhouses.
Some of us love our crunchy iceberg or romaine lettuce, but we could be consuming at least 50% more nutrients if we switch our greens to kale or spinach. Kale is packed with fiber, which helps you stay full longer, and spinach is a top source of iron, which improves your muscle function. A nice rule of thumb is the darker the greens, the more nutrient rich they are!
While brown and wild rice are healthy alternatives to white rice or pasta, quinoa is one of the only grains that pack as much protein as your common meat sources. As an added bonus, you will get your daily dose of Omega 3 fatty acids, which promote low cholesterol and blood pressure.
We all know that blueberries are packed with antioxidants, but did you know that this superfruit is linked to higher metabolisms and weight loss? Thanks to the high dose of manganese, you can slim down while you sweeten up. Eat them alone or incorporate them into a smoothie with banana (another superfruit), greek yogurt, almond milk and honey.
We know this may be a tough sell for many of you coffee lovers, but hear us out. While green tea only has half of the caffeine in brewed coffee, it is linked to faster metabolisms, increased fat burning, improved brain function, higher defense against disease and bacteria and strong blood sugar levels. So consider drinking green tea when you are ready for your morning caffeine fix.
Want to learn more ways to add key nutrients into your diet? Contact our personal trainers today to discuss healthy food alternatives that will help you meet your fitness and health goals. With these simple switches, you’ll notice an increase in energy while performing workouts, such as our group fitness classes!