Superfoods for a Super You

By Donna Stark

Superfoods. By now, we have all heard that term, but what exactly does it mean? What makes a certain food “super” and why, for the love of all things good, isn’t Crème Brulee designated as such? Although there may not be an official, scientific list of every superfood out there, there are some general rules that foods need to follow in order to be included. Most, if not all, of the known superfoods contain incredibly high levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. You know, all of that good stuff that helps to nourish our bodies and prevent diseases. These are the foods we should be buying because, by choosing the right foods at the grocery store, you are also choosing to invest in your health. But investments can often appear costly, so what do you do if you are on a tight budget?

Getting More Superfood Bang for Your Buck

Everybody likes to save their hard-earned dollars at the grocery store. Weekly sales, coupons, and grocery store apps are a great way to do so and while organic superfoods may seem to be more expensive, there are ways to get around that. Here are just a couple of superfoods that will allow you to get more for those dollars and will have you leaving the store feeling good about what you just purchased.

• Chicken - A lean piece of chicken breast is probably the best thing you can buy in the meat department because it is all protein and one of the most affordable options. It is extremely versatile and can be used in so many different recipes. You just can’t go wrong with it.
• Eggs - Another very affordable option, eggs are a great source of protein and are packed with B vitamins. They are also extremely versatile as well and are the perfect start to your day. If you are watching your cholesterol levels, you can simply just use the whites of the egg and still receive all of its benefits.
• Berries - In my neighborhood grocery store, it seems like berries are always on sale. Take advantage of these times and bring some extra home to freeze for later. Berries are rich in antioxidants and nutrition, which helps to support your immune health, improve your memory, prevent diseases, and aid with the aging process.
• Beans - A versatile item that is very affordable for your grocery store budget. The reason why beans can be considered a superfood is that they are high in fiber, low in fat, and are a great source of protein. One bag of dried beans will last you through several different meals and can be used from sunrise to sunset. You can add them to your breakfast burrito, make soup or chili, and even create some wonderful desserts with them.

Although this is a great start for your shopping list, I would encourage you to research some others. There are so many inexpensive superfoods worth mentioning and all of them will bring a tasty, nutritious balance to your meals.

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Raleigh, N.C.