To the millions who strive for a healthier lifestyle, here is a list to give you a head start to improve your food habits for a healthy life:
1. Lemons
For generations, lemons are known for their therapeutic benefits. Episodes of indigestion or constipation? Lemons does the trick! Not only does it helps you stay cool in summer time, it also contains more than enough Vitamin C to boost your immune system and increases your good cholesterol. This improves blood pressure and metabolism. Lemons are also packed with tons of antioxidants and cancer fighting properties helping you reduce the risk of the production of cancer cells in the body.
2. Eggs
Yum! A humble egg is an excellent, inexpensive complete source of protein, loaded with vitamins and minerals. Eggs contain more Vitamin D than you know – which prevents bone deterioration and other bone diseases.
3. Potatoes
Potato lovers, you will love this one! Potatoes are underrated when it comes to “eating healthy” and judged easily by its starchy presentation. What people do not know is, that potatoes are a powerful source of folate. Folate, also known as Folic Acid or Vitamin B9 and is crucial to our bodies for proper brain function which plays an important role with our mental health. It helps a person fight depression by helping our blood cells improve – therefore assists our bodies to produce “happy hormones” just like munching on chocolates!
4. Peanut Butter
Who said food habits for a healthy life should be dull and boring? Yes, you read it right. Peanut Butter. Peanut butter is high in fiber and helps you stimulate your digestive system! But off course, due to its sugar content, it should be taken in moderation.
5. Coconut
In Asian countries, it is also called the fruit of life. A simple coconut and its juice is a full meal that contains protein, carbs, fructose, vitamin C, you name it! Its juice also contains Lauric Acid – which melts away viruses that may infect your body, such as the Dengue Virus. Keeps you hydrated and keeps you healthy! Chug!
6. Oats
Oats are one of nature’s healthiest contribution to humanity. It helps with weight loss because it’s high in fiber. It decreases blood sugar levels and protects the heart from diseases by reducing bad cholesterol. It is also great for our skin, from the inside out!READ10 Ideal Protein Breakfast Recipes to Jumpstart Your Day
7. Salmon
Salmon is huge source of Omega 3 fatty acids. Now we might be thinking, “How can something fatty be healthy?” Omega 3 is basically essential fats for human health but cannot be reproduced by our own body. These are only found from few fishes, such as Salmon. Omega 3 is most beneficial for our heart. It regulates the blood pressure, heart beat per minute, and lowers triglyceride levels preventing heart attacks.
8. Lean Beef
This is the best source of iron! Most of the time, some people tell you that beef is unhealthy. However, there is always a difference to every side of the story. Not only is this red meat rich in iron, but also pumped with proteins and essential nutrients to build strong muscles, bones and teeth. And with its iron content, it helps our red blood cells transport oxygen throughout the body at a higher level.
9. Coffee
Coffee is always a great way to start your day. Due to its high caffeine content, it stimulates your mood, and gets you going within the day! Take with moderation, of course. Too much of something is never good.
10. Green Tea
Some drinks green tea like an elixir of life. You name it – it helps your digestion, improves metabolism and mental state, and fights off cancer cells. To make the long story short, green tea prevents us from chronic diseases if we make it a part of our lives daily.
11. Apples
Like bananas, apples are a great source of potassium that helps improve muscle integrity. It is not only juicy, but a great and healthy snack.
12. Chicken Breast
Unlike other meats, chicken breast is low in fat, but definitely high in protein. It is another alternative if you are not a fan of red meat.
13. Peanuts
…are tasty and healthy at the same time. It is extremely high in nutrients and a good source of protein and caffeine too!
14. Bell Peppers
Red, yellow, green, any one of them are juicy and packed with Vitamin C. This is an example of highly concentrated vegetables as a good source of vitamins and minerals.
15. Garlic
Garlic is a natural antihypertensive and antibiotic. Adding garlic in your life every day is a great way to maintain your blood pressure healthy.
16. Tomatoes
Are tomatoes a vegetable or a fruit? Either way it is loaded with Vitamins C, K, B6, B12, E, and Folate. Who needs to buy supplements when you can eat a tomato every day?
17. Brown Rice
Is an excellent source of fiber. It keeps your gut healthy and active. No more constipation!
18. Cucumber
Cucumbers contain Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Zinc. Again…Who needs a multivitamin?READ13 Ideas of What to Eat for a Healthy Diet
You can even use it as an emergency toothbrush slash, breath mint!
19. Ginger
Did you know that ginger has been used in ancient times as a remedy to digestive problems? And we still do today! This inexpensive, all-year-round root crop is a fine remedy for respiratory and digestive problems.
20. Sardines
Sardines are cheap and delicious, loaded with calcium, and rich omega 3 acids. This helps keep your bones strong and muscles strong, especially, the heart.
21. Yogurt
An ounce of yogurt every day is just enough to supply your tummy a dose of probiotics; also known as “good bacteria”. A happy tummy means a healthy appetite.
22. Tuna
Canned tuna works to. Tuna, just like salmon, is a good source of Omega 3 fatty acids. Once again, you’ve got to supply your body essential acids that it cannot produce on its own. Munching on tuna helps prevent coronary artery diseases and keeps your heart pumping!
23. Oranges
Oh that sweet juicy citrus snack is always a healthy option! An orange can give you enough antioxidants and vitamin C in one sitting.
24. Corn
Who needs a laxative when you can eat a whole corn cub? This golden treat sweeps away your intestines in a few hours, eliminating excess wastes in your body.
25. Onion
Onions are great antibiotics. This is still used in some Asian countries as an antibacterial remedy and another way to prevent your blood sugar go up.
26. Goat cheese
Cheese is a great source of sodium for our body. Our electrolytes should be in balance, that is why there is no harm adding a little more cheese on top of those baked potatoes.
27. Spinach
For short, this green stuff is loaded with good things that every part of your body would like to feast on.
28. Tofu
Soy is the prime component of tofu and is a complete source of dietary protein, providing all of the essential amino acids needed in your body. therefore, Tofu is a guilt free, healthy, vegan alternative to protein.
29. Oysters
Oysters not only are great sexual stimulants for men, but also a great source of calcium and Vitamin D – bone and muscle friendly!
30. Mangoes
Rich with antioxidants, mangoes are known as one of the best source of anti-cancer components! Should I say, a mongo a day keeps the doctor away?
31. Strawberries
Strawberries have a unique superpower. Not only does it give you Vitamin C, but also gives “bioavailable’’ Vitamin C, meaning it is already activated in your bloodstream when ingested.
32. Pumpkin
Feast your eyes! This vegetable supplies enough Vitamin A to improve your eyesight!
33. Kimchi
Fibrous, spicy, and packed with antioxidants. This is a great side dish with rice and some chicken breast. Kimchi helps your digestive tract by stimulating healthy acids in your body.
34. Olives
Contains the highest concentration of a powerful oxidant named Vitamin E. This will give your skin a glow from the inside out.READHow To Do Portion Control For Weight Loss The Right Way
35. Asparagus
Did you know that asparagus may relieve you from menstrual cramps? Uhuh.. You go girl.
36. Pork Tenderloin
Pork! If prepared the right way, is a great source of iron. This improves our hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the entire body.
37. Basil
A 0% fat, 0% cholesterol additive for flavor, aroma and source of Vitamin C.
38. Parsley
Parsley not only beautifies your dish, but also supports healthy kidney function. And did you know that parsley tea can relieve headaches and relax your rigid muscles? A natural muscle relaxant it is! Who needs an advil?
39. Chili
Chili is used to stimulate our insulin in the body. This helps with our absorption and reduces the risk for diabetes.
40. Carrots
This guilt-free snack, whether it be cooked or raw, carrots are great with fiber and good for your eyesight!
41. Blueberry
Blueberries prevent heart diseases by mainly lowering down your cholesterol. It is high in fiber, Vitamin C, and improves your blood quality due to its Vitamin K content.
42. Olive oil
This wonder oil kills cancer cells, reduces heart diseases by reducing cholesterol levels on the body, rich in antioxidants, regulates the blood pressure, prevents diabetes, avoids obesity, and a great pain reliever!
43. Cinnamon
Being one of the most delicious, healthy spice, cinnamon helps regulate our blood sugar levels preventing diabetes.
44. Beans
Beans is always a cheap alternative for protein. Do not underestimate its power though… it keeps your muscles in tone too.
45. Shrimp
Rich in iodine, this baby is a great source of protein and iodine, which help regulate thyroid hormones in the body.
46. Apple Cider Vinegar
This elixir serves as a great weight loss syrup! This is also a remedy to any skin condition you have!
47. Honey
Just as it is, 2 tablespoons of honey supplies every possible benefit you have read above that our internal organs would like to feast on… in addition to that, it is GREAT with skin diseases such as fungal infections, acne, and eczema.
48. Watermelon
Thirsty? Watermelon is made up of 90% water! You can eat all you can!
49. Cilantro
These deep green leaves supply antioxidants that may lower your cholesterol levels in your body. Another guilt free topping to your healthy options!
50. Water
8-12 glasses of water a day is recommended; it keeps you hydrated as well as your organs too. Never deprive yourself with water if you do not want cramps especially while working out.
51. Pineapple
This juicy, sweet and sour fruit is loaded with fiber, all kinds of vitamins and minerals that the body needs. It is also called the fruit of life in some Asian countries!
Surely a bite of these treats everyday will help you start developing your new & improved food habits for a healthy life!