Eating the Right Foods for Better Health

By Donna Stark

Your doctor asks about it every time you are in for a visit, your mom asks you about it during your weekly calls, and your physical trainer at the gym asks about it every single day. What is it? It's your diet, and for some reason, everyone wants to know what it includes. Are they asking if you are eating your vegetables? Have they all mentioned fatty fish? If so, that's not a surprise because there are certain types of foods that should be incorporated into every type of diet. Let's take a look at a few of them below and the reasons why they should be on your weekly menu.

Fatty Fish

Have you heard about omega-3 fatty acids? If so, you know they can improve heart health, reduce joint pain, preserve brain function, boost moods, and decrease inflammation. But have you heard that fatty fish is an excellent source of them? That's right! Fatty fish like salmon, tuna, and mackerel can do wonders for your health so try to include at least two servings of them into your weekly menu.

Green Vegetables

Your mom always filled your plate with them when you were young but now it's your turn to take on that responsibility. Green vegetables can help reduce the risk of certain cancers, improve eye health, strengthen bones, and enhance brain function. It will do your body some good if you fill your meals with plenty of broccoli, kale, green beans, spinach, and turnip greens.

Berries

They're delicious, nutritious, and let's be honest here, so cute to look at when sitting in a bowl in your refrigerator, but with all the antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins that are packed into them, it's no wonder they are called nature's superfood! You should try to eat a handful of berries every day because they can help reduce inflammation, decrease your risk of heart disease, and protect against certain cancers. 

Oats

Do you love a bowl of piping hot oatmeal in the morning? Well, don't stop there! Oats can, and should, be eaten in various forms throughout the entire day. They help lower cholesterol, support a healthy heart, and help aid in weight loss because they keep you feeling full for longer. So go ahead and grab that bowl of oats in the morning, but consider adding them to your smoothies, meatloaf, and homemade protein bars too.

The Right Answer

The next time your doctor, mom, or trainer asks you about your diet, respond with the right answer! Tell them you are filling your meals with as many healthy foods as you can. Who knows? You may even get them off your back for a little bit!

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Eagan, Minn.