As each diet fad and miracle weight loss pill rises in popularity, and ultimately falls, it becomes clearer and clearer that the benefit of whole foods diets can’t be beat. After all, the only clear formula for weight loss and better fitness has been revealed to be the adoption of a healthy diet in combination with an active lifestyle. The only challenge lies in figuring out which healthy foods to eat on a diet to get the most health benefits. Here are a few nutrient dense vegetables and other whole foods that are especially nutritious, and worth enjoyin.
Spinach
Spinach, especially when it’s not cooked into oblivion, is a good source of an incredible number of vitamins and minerals. Here are just a few that spinach is a very good source of:
- Folic Acid
- Potassium
- Selenium
- Niacin
- Zinc
- Phosphorous
- Copper
- Vitamins A, B6, K, E, and C
- Calcium
Other dark leafy greens can be similarly enjoyed for their many health benefits.
How to Enjoy It: Salads, soups, stir-fry, juices, smoothies, and more.
Sweet Potatoes
Did you know that a single sweet potato can provide eight times the Vitamin A that you need daily? Vitamin A is responsible for boosting the immune system, and fighting diseases like cancer. Other potatoes, especially when consumed with the skin still on, are similarly nutritious. A red potato has the same amount of folate that spinach does.
How to Enjoy It: Roasted or baked, pureed in a soup, or mashed.
Walnuts
Walnuts are also on the list of healthy foods to eat on a diet. They contain more omega-3 fatty acids than any other nut. These acids can help to reduce cholesterol, improve mood, and help protect against sun damage.
How to Enjoy It: In a smoothie, atop yogurt, a salad, or all on their own.
A lot of raw food diets rely on avocados to add creaminess and delicious nutrition to many dishes, since they are almost never heated or cooked. Avocado purists will argue that an avocado needs little more than a crack of fresh pepper and maybe a splash of lemon or lime juice. They can lower cholesterol, thanks to being abundant in good fats, and they provide almost half the fiber that you are recommended to have daily.
How to Enjoy It:Guacamole, first and foremost. Also, they are good in smoothies, in salads, on sandwiches, or as a tasty side to almost any dish.
Avocados, walnuts, sweet potatoes, and spinach are just the tip of the nutrient dense, whole food iceberg. Try other fresh seasonal produce when you cut out complicated diets and processed foods. Along with choosing some of these healthy foods to eat on a diet, it’s important to limit the number of bad sugars, or added sugars that you consume, and even watch the amount of good sugars that you get. Good sugars occur naturally in fruits and vegetables, and they release energy into your system in a more controlled and healthful way.
Hippocrates once said, “Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food.” Maybe he was on to something. References: therightnutritionplan.com