Start the Year With Nutritious Foods
By Rachel Carver
It's a new year. You want to incorporate more healthy habits into your routine. But where do you start?
We can easily begin by looking at the foods we eat. Many diets will tell you to make foods such as beans and whole grains off-limits. If you enjoy tacos or pasta, this can be hard to follow. However, focusing on adding more healthy foods into your diet instead of what you need to take away can set you up for success.
Read on for some healthy foods to start enjoying this year.
Leafy Greens
Leafy greens such as spinach, kale, chard, and dandelion can be made into many different meals. They are high in vitamins A, C, and K. Leafy greens are also great for low-carb diets.
Mix up a tasty salad. Add them into a breakfast skillet. You can even add some greens to your breakfast smoothie.
Salmon
Salmon will give you lots of omega-3's. These fatty acids slow the accumulation of plaque that clogs arteries. This can help with high blood pressure. The American Heart Association recommends consuming two weekly fatty-fish meals.
Create a tasty salmon dip. Roast it in the oven for a tasty meal.
Olive Oil
The flavor of almost anything can be enhanced with olive oil. It is also a staple in the DASH and Mediterranean diets. Research shows using olive oil as a healthy fat option may help you lose weight and reduce belly fat.
Add olive oil to your chicken or other lean protein. Use it to flavor your pasta and also keep noodles from sticking together. Add olive oil to your veggie skillet.
Berries
Because berries contain natural sugar, some believe they can cause weight gain. However, fruit in moderation can give you a healthier option when you crave something sweet. Raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, and strawberries come packed with disease-fighting polyphenols.
Add some frozen berries to a smoothie. They make great additions to oatmeal and yogurt. Put some berries in a small container for your lunch or a snack at the office.
Red Cabbage
Red Cabbage usually sits under the radar. But it contains high amounts of antioxidants that can help with heart health. Studies have shown that people who consume red cabbage may lower their risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Red cabbage can be a great slaw taco topping. Add it to your favorite leafy greens for a tasty salad.
The Bottom Line
The start of a new year is the perfect time to experiment with some new foods. By filling up on healthier foods, you'll have less room for sugar bombs and empty calories. And you might find a new favorite food.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Rockville, Md.