Okay, all together now…Let’s take a big, deep breath. The holidays are over!
I love the holidays, I really do, but they can be stressful and I know that I ate WAY more than I should’ve during them. My excuse was “It’s the holidays!” but now they’re over and I don’t have that excuse…especially now that I’ve kicked off 10 in 20. It’s time to kick my butt into gear so that I can FINALLY shave off this goatee of mine!
If you’re like me and maybe ate some things you shouldn’t have, then it’s time to get back into eating healthy! Even better, if you’ve never given superfoods a chance before…now is the time. It’s the start of 2012 so let’s work together to make this the best, healthiest, and most vibrant year possible!
Superfoods should be an essential part of your diet, especially if you’re looking to put the fire out that’s burning inside of your body. As BeWellBuzz explains, “These foods are rich in nutrients and work wonders in keeping your mind and body healthy…Once you start consuming superfoods on a regular basis, you will start noticing the difference in not just how you feel, but also how you look.”
Let’s take a look at what I think are the 5 most important superfoods to get you back on the wagon after the holidays:
1.) Berries
If you’ve been following my 10 in 20 New Year Resolution, then you know that every morning I’ve been adding goji berries to my juice drink. I’m a fan of these but really, any berries can be substituted. Berries (especially goji, blueberry and cranberry) are considered a super food because they’re PACKED with antioxidants and phytonutrients, PLUS they’re high in water and fiber, low in calories, AND they keep you full for a longer period of time! You can add them to salads, yogurts, cereal, or whatever you choose 
2.) Broccoli
This is another food that I’ve been including in my diet because it’s extremely important for a healthy lifestyle. It’s chock-full of vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin K. It also keeps you fuller longer and really can be added to any meal, just like berries. You can eat broccoli alone as a side dish, add it to a salad or stir fry, or even eat it raw as a snack.
3.) Green Tea
Green tea is known to be used to as a hunger suppressant and it’s true, like all superfoods, it will keep you feeling full; however, it also contains something called polyphenols which may reduce heart disease, cancer, and stroke risk. Instead of reaching for a can of soda (because it’s poison…) why not make a cup of green tea. Believe me, your body will thank you for it!
4.) Wild Alaskan Salmon
“It’s all about omega-3s,” says health guru Andrew Weil, MD, explaining why fish like sockeye top his must-eat list for women. Omega-3s are known to fight depression, boost mood, and and can either protect against cancer. As you know, I’ve talked about how important vitamin D is to our diets (and how most of us are lacking this crucial vitamin) and wild Alaskan salmon is vitamin D rich! As the Health.com continues to say, fresh is best but if you can’t find it near your home then canned wild Alaskan salmon is almost as good.
5.) Red Beans
Red beans are an excellent superfood because they’re very rich in antioxidants and packed with fiber, minerals, and protein. As you’ve learned, these components will help you stay full for longer and can reduce your risk of cancer. Beans are another food that can easily be a side dish or consumed on their own. You can cook a pot of dried beans if you have time but if not, canned beans are just fine
Adding any of these (or all of them) will make a difference in how you feel each day! Now that the holidays are over, it’s time to get back to business and get healthy/healthier. Let’s make 2012 a year that you won’t forget!
Are you familiar with superfoods? Which do you prefer to include into your diet?
