Foods That Provide Both Health and Comfort
By Genevieve Cunningham
Food is a necessity. The food that we eat is responsible for our general health and wellness including things like our weight, energy, and our body's ability to function. But food is more than a necessity. The food that we eat can also be linked to tradition, comfort, and our emotions. It's not unusual to heal our bodies with food, which means we give it the proper nutrients, but it also means we give it a little love. The key is to make sure that your comfort food is also healthy. If you can manage this, you have the best of both worlds! To build a menu of both comfort and health, take a look at these three foods to keep in your diet for the rest of your life.
Chicken Broth
Chicken broth is delicious, warm, and healing to the body. You've probably heard your mother or grandmother offer chicken soup when you're not feeling well, and as it turns out, this advice is far more than an old wives tale. Chicken broth -- the liquid part of chicken soup -- is good for the belly, the throat, and even congestion. You can eat soup, as often suggested, but you can also sip on warm broth by itself. If you want the ultimate comfort health food, chicken broth is definitely a good choice.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are probably your healthiest potato choice. They're still a starch, but they contain potassium, fiber, and other nutrients that make their consumption worth it. Sweet potatoes are thought to help with weight loss, blood sugar management, and more. They're a great choice for your health -- and they're also incredibly delicious and versatile. They can be eaten in a variety of ways in a variety of recipes. Comfort and health -- the sweet potato wins a spot in your diet.
Stir Fry
You can make a stir fry that is both comforting and nutritious. How? Choose a healthy oil (like olive oil) and chop up some healthy vegetables -- maybe a variety of peppers, squash, peas, or anything else. Heat the oil, throw in the veggies, and cook until tender. It's easy, it's warm, and it's packed with necessary vitamins. You can add your stir fry to rice, add meat, or eat it alone - whatever you like! This is a really easy way to get your vegetables while still comforting your body and mind through food.
Food can heal the body, mind, and soul. But like anything, there's a fine line between using food for healing and abusing food to heal emotional wounds. Luckily, if you choose the right foods, you can heal your body and comfort those emotional wounds all at once. Use these as a starting point to fill your diet with soothing, healthy, comforting foods to keep you healthy from the inside out.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Collierville, Tenn.