When it comes to foods you should eat to Supercharge your day, there are ten that I keep in my diet every day. These foods not only fuel your body but can help with gut health as well.
1. Chia seeds
Chia seeds were eaten by the ancient Aztec warriors who called it the “running food” because it fueled them for long conquests. It’s high in fiber, omega-3’s and protein. Throw it in your oatmeal, smoothies or yogurt.
2. Kale
Kale, like many green foods, are alkalizing and filled with fiber. Leafy green vegetables are also a great source of calcium. Kale is especially high in Vitamin K, which benefits bone health.
3. Pumpkin seeds
Sometimes called pepitas, pumpkin seeds are a great vegetarian source of omega 3 fatty acids. These healthy fats are anti-inflammatory and so important to our diet and our brain health.
4. Walnuts
Walnuts are another great vegan source of omega 3 fatty acids. The skin contains powerful phenol (plant chemicals) and the nut itself contains a good dose of Vitamin E in the gamma-tocopherol form, which provides protection from heart problems.
5. Quinoa
Quinoa is a gluten-free whole grain with the highest protein content in the grain family. Therefore, this makes quinoa a great friend of the vegetarian and vegan. It can be used as a whole grain or ground into a flour.
6. Oats
One cup of oatmeal contains about 4 grams of fiber and has been shown to help reduce cholesterol levels in people with high cholesterol. The high amount of fiber can help stabilize blood sugar levels, therefore, making oatmeal a much better choice in the morning than bread, bagels or boxed cereal.
7. Hempseeds
Hempseeds are rich in minerals such as iron, magnesium, zinc and potassium. They are a great source of omega 3 fatty acids and contain all 10 amino acids, making them a rare plant-based food that contains complete protein.
8. Blueberries
Blueberries are filled with antioxidants, which kill off free radicals in the body. Free radicals can cause DNA damage in other cells and are the seeds to diseases like cancer. Cancer research is looking into foods such as blueberries to help fight off free radical damage.
9. Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of healthy carbohydrates containing loads of antioxidants like beta-carotene. They also contain high levels of Vitamin A that contributes to cell growth and health vision. Roasting them with a bit of cinnamon can quench sweet cravings for a person who is weaning himself or herself off of processed sugar.
10. Black beans
Black beans are a great source of iron and molybdenum, which helps the body utilize iron. Beans, in general, are a great source of protein for vegetarians and especially vegans.
