How to Boost Nutrition in Your Meals
By Sara Butler
So, you're eating plenty of vegetables and watching your meal portions in an effort to be healthier -- good for you! But did you know there's a way you can give your meals even more of a nutritional boost? If you can incorporate these habits into your mealtime plans, then you can take all those healthy choices to the next level. Here are a few things you should try.
Add Some Fat
Fat has a bad reputation. Certainly, some forms of fat are not great for you, such as trans fats, but there are many naturally occurring dietary fats that are. In fact, some vitamins your body needs to function optimally are better absorbed if eaten with fat.
If you're eating fruits and vegetables in an attempt to add in Vitamins A, D, K, and E to your diet, then consider pairing them with a heart-healthy fat such as avocado or olive oil. Your body will absorb the vitamins easier to help you get even more nutrients from the foods you eat.
Leave the Peel
If you peel your potatoes, cucumbers, or apples before eating them, consider leaving the peel on. In many foods, most of the nutrients are found in the outer skin along with a dose of healthy fiber. Even the fuzzy outside of a kiwi is good for you.
Try leaving the peel on your favorite fruits and vegetables in order to provide your body with more nutrients but make sure to wash them well first to get rid of any pesticide residue or dirt.
Frozen is Fine
Some people assume that frozen fruits and vegetables aren't as healthy as their fresh counterparts, but that's simply not true! Frozen fruits and vegetables make great and inexpensive additions to soups, stews, smoothies, and casseroles. Plus, the freezing process they undergo helps to lock in nutrients, so you get to enjoy them at their peak. Just be sure the vegetables and fruits don't contain added sauces or sugars.
Go Green
You can add a punch of nutrients to almost any meal by going green. Adding in some broccoli or spinach to what you're cooking helps to add in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, magnesium, folate, calcium, and iron without adding a lot of calories. Try adding some green to your next homemade pizza, casserole, or omelet.
There are many easy ways to make your meals more nutritious. Give them a try today and reap the benefits for your health and wellness.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Sandy, Utah.