Power Foods

My Favorite Power Foods. Power foods are the ones that make you stronger, rev up your metabolism, burn fat and make you feel healthy and fit!

While there is no real definition of a “Power” or “Super” food, these healthier choices are a great source of antioxidants, a substance that protect our bodies from cell damage and helps prevent illness and disease. There are a number of common foods that provide these nutrients.

Here are a few of My Favorite Power Foods and the benefits they can provide to you and your health and wellness.

Bananas: This is an easy to grab and eat fruit, contain fiber and potassium and they also help keep your electrolytes balanced, pick a banana instead of a sports drink.

Raisins: A natural energy boost, grab a handful before a longer workout to keep from dragging. Keep them in your car or in your desk at work.

Oatmeal: Full of soluble fiber to fight cholesterol and helps burn belly fat too! Make sure to choose a natural unsweetened, steel cut variety, add honey or fruit to sweeten.

Eggs: Eggs have a rich source of leucine, an amino acid that helps repair muscle.

Salmon: The list goes on for this power food! Salmon is he # 1 source of omega-3, the fatty acid that helps reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Salmon also strengthens muscle tissue. Choose wild caught not farm raised.

Pistachios: One of my favorites when I am hungry and do not have time to grab a snack! This little power food helps curb post workout hunger and is a convenient snack to keep handy when you are on the go.

Spinach: A TRUE super food! Packed with multivitamins, A, C, K and folate, which is a great mood booster too! Spinach can be added to smoothies, eggs, salads and sandwiches. Sauté spinach in coconut oil with a little sea salt. Yummy!

Turmeric: This spice is amazing and proven to ease joint pain. My dog gets a teaspoon everyday in his food for arthritis and I have seen a major difference in his condition.

Cherries: They help you sleep I have tried it and it works! Cherries also neutralize free radicals, which help you recover faster.

Avocados: Loaded with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and fiber, which help you stay satisfied longer. They are not as high in calories as you might think, a quarter of a medium sized avocado is only about 50 calories and worth it!

Berries: I love them all but blueberries pack more antioxidants than most fruits, the reason why studies suggest they can keep your heart healthy, boost brain health and fight cancer too.

Soybeans: High in fat burning protein and fiber. Healthy as a snack, check out your freezer aisle for an organic non-GMO brand.

The list can go on, I also recommend adding Cucumbers, Papaya, Watermelon, Lemons, Honey, Beets Ginger, Greek Yogurt, Whole Grains and more to your diet!

Remember the start of a healthy lifestyle is proper nutrition and effective fitness routines. If you want to maintain a healthy, positive and happy lifestyle you need to commit to better food, exercise and health choices. Stay away from processed foods and remember just because a label says all natural or healthy does not mean that it is, we as consumers have to educate ourselves on what is actually healthy for us, I have seen many people think that they were eating healthy and actually gaining weight due to processed food choices that claimed to be healthy, 68% of Americans are overweight or obese, the main reason more of us are developing diseases such as diabetes, and at younger ages. Educate yourselves now and feel healthy and fit tomorrow!

For more healthy tips go to www.fithealthyandfabulous.com