Chances are you’ve heard of superfoods; those nutrient-packed powerhouses that everyone – from toddlers and seniors to boisterous teenagers and skilled manual workers – absolutely needs. But here’s the thing, it’s not just about hopping on the latest health trend; really, it’s about making informed choices for some real nourishment.
So here are some tips for how you can get the most out of superfoods.
Diverse Selection
First, you want to try out different superfoods if your body is going to get a variety pack of nutrients; vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, etc.
So, you want to plan your meals with a mix of superfoods each week so that you know you’re getting a bunch of different nutrients intentionally. Opt for a plate that’s like a rainbow of colors. Seriously, different colors usually mean different nutrients so that having say, red tomatoes, green spinach, and blueberries on your plate covers a wide range of good stuff. Then, get on board with seasonal superfoods. Not only are they fresher, but they also naturally add variety to your diet throughout the year.
For example:
- Start the week with a blueberries and kale smooth
- Make a quinoa salad loaded with mixed berries
- And grab a handful of mixed nuts for a quick and easy energy boost
Balanced Consumption
Superfoods are awesome, but balance is key for an all-around healthy diet. You don’t want to overdo it with just one type of food and end up missing out on other important nutrients.
Make superfoods part of regular meals. You want to do things like mix superfoods with protein sources to make your meals more satisfying and balanced.
For example, add:
- A handful of berries to your yogurt parfait for a great, balanced breakfast
- Some spinach into your turkey and avocado sandwich for a lunch upgrade
- Nuts and seeds into a quinoa and veggie stir-fry for a really hearty dinner
Mindful Preparation
Yes, how you cook your superfoods matters as it can really affect their nutritional goodness.
Mainly, you want to stick to cooking methods like steaming or roasting to keep the nutrients in your food. Steaming broccoli, for instance, means more vitamins than just boiling it. Then, incorporate raw superfoods into your diet – whether it’s a side of fresh berries with breakfast or a crisp salad with raw greens, nuts, and seeds – keep it as fresh as you can.
For example,
- Steam broccoli and cauliflower as a side for your grilled salmon
- Dive into some fresh salad with kale, nuts, and a mix of colorful veggies
- Roast sweet potatoes with a drizzle of olive oil for a really nutritious and delicious side dish
Often, eating right can be tricky for many different reasons. Still, knowing tips like mixing things up on your plate and the best cooking methods makes things a lot easier.
