PCS moves, solo parenting, long hours, it’s easy for military life to get, well overwhelming. One of the simplest ways to ensure that you have the energy to tackle whatever this life throws at you is to provide your body with premium fuel. The following eight super foods are chock full of energy boosting, immunity supporting, heart-happy health benefits. Add some to your diet, or try out one of our tasty tips.
Avocados
Don’t fear the fat in this delicious fruit! Unlike most fruits, avocados have a low sugar count, but pack in the protein. Avocados also possess an array healthy fats and nutrients, for example Vitamin E, which provides an immunity boost; folic acid, which encourages the production and maintenance of new cells; and iron to increase energy.
Try this: Mash it on whole grain toast in the morning instead of butter for a heart-healthy, cancer-preventing alternative. Or, bring some homemade guacamole to your next spouse meeting or gathering with friends and rest assured you’re serving up a delicious and healthy snack!
Chia seeds
The Mayans named this small seed “chia” meaning “strength,” and it’s easy to see why. These little seeds are loaded with calcium, fiber, omega fatty acids, antioxidants and protein. Chia seeds also absorb up to twelve times their weight as they expand in your stomach, making them an appetite suppressant.
Try this: You can toss a tablespoon in a glass of water and drink up, or you can make it more fun by creating a tasty pudding, blending chia seeds with coconut water, banana, and, of course, cocoa powder!
Kale
What super food list would be complete without kale? This leaf packs a punch, loaded with nutrients like calcium, protein and vitamins A, C and K. This powerhouse green belongs on your plate at every meal.
Try this: Chop it into a salad, throw it in a smoothie, or mince it into your cupcake batter (seriously!).
Beets, and beet juice are anti-inflammatory, high in antioxidants and iron and have detoxification properties. And before you lace up those running shoes, down a glass of beet juice-research has shown that beets can increase your speed and destroy cancer cells.
Try this: Shred beets into your salad, or thinly slice and toss with olive oil and a dash of salt and dehydrate for a crunchy, anti-cancer snack.
Quinoa
This grain (which is actually part of the spinach family!) has staying power, with good reason. Quinoa is packed with protein, and can be substituted for rice or pasta in your favorite dishes.
Try this: Perfect in cold salads, toss your cooked quinoa with a little olive oil, lemon and your favorite chopped veggies for a quick, anytime snack.
Berries
Full of antioxidants, healthful berries abound in the summer. Raspberries and blueberries constantly battle it out for top spot in the anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, energy-boosting realm, but rest assured that berry consumption of any kind provides lasting health benefits.
Try this: Toss your favorite berries on a salad, into your morning granola, or simply eat them plain–you can’t go wrong with summer’s favorite fruit.
Chocolate
We all know that chocolate makes us happy, and now there’s scientific proof. Cocoa powder contains compounds that produce serotonin and endorphins, the hormones that help you feel happy. Cocoa also contains flavonoids with potent antioxidants that prevent damage to your cells from free radicals. These flavonoids are only found in dark chocolates-70% or higher-so, that Snickers doesn’t count.
Try this: Grab a decadent square of dark chocolate every day or sprinkle some cocoa powder on top of oatmeal or toss in a smoothie– for your health, of course!
Now that you have the tools, there’s no holding you back. Add these eight energizing super foods to your diet and make this your best spring yet!
The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) believes that you should have healthy choices readily available to you. That’s why DeCA provides nutritional tips and advice posted through commissaries. You may also find these guidelines by accessing www.choosemyplate.gov. For a list of healthy recipes and tips, be sure to visit www.commissaries.com.