We’re bombarded with unhealthy food options on a daily basis. They’re literally everywhere, making healthy eating a constant challenge.
But with the right healthy food ideas, things can get a little easier. It just takes a little planning and the right mindset.
When it comes to healthy eating, I tend to favor a whole foods approach. This simply means eating foods that are unprocessed or as minimally processed as possible. Taking this approach ensures fewer chemicals and preservatives in your diet, as well as better nutritional content. The closer you can get to natural, the better. This is a good rule to follow.
Let’s look at some healthy food ideas, including some meal plans that should get your diet and eating habits on the right track. If you’re trying to lose weight or just get healthy, these are the food ideas you should be keeping in mind.
Healthy Food Ideas – The Basics
1. Eat More Greens – This should always be your starting point when it comes to healthy food ideas. Eating more green and colorful food, like leafy greens, spinach, broccoli, and blueberries is your best bet for vitamins. And many vitamins play key roles in boosting your metabolism, helping you burn fat, and ensuring proper muscle recovery after a hard workout.
If you’re worried about your daily vitamin intake, one great way to ensure adequate nutrition is by supplementing with a vitamin-rich green food powder. One of my favorite brands is Amazing Grass Green SuperFood Powder. Another great addition to your food is NOW Spirulina Powder, a blue-green algae extract that will totally boost your metabolism. Here’s a tip: you can shake it up with lots of ice, water and some fresh mint for a refreshing drink.
2. Get Lots of Healthy Fats – There really is a big difference between healthy and unhealthy fats. Unhealthy fats like trans fats and saturated fats will only spell trouble for your health goals. This is why avoiding processed foods, junk foods, and fried foods is so important.
But healthy fats, like the omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon and avocado, provide key support to your mental and physical health. Furthermore, they’ve been shown to significantly boost your metabolism and help your body burn fat. In addition to getting more omega-3’s in your diet, I also recommend supplementing with these Optimum Fish Oil Softgels.
3. Think about Protein and Fiber – Protein and fiber are important considerations when it comes to healthy food ideas. Both protein and fiber take longer to digest, meaning they’ll help keep you full for longer and also boost your metabolism. Protein is also important for maintaining muscle mass, while fiber will ensure a healthy digestive tract.
You should always have on hand a natural protein powder like Optimum 100% Natural Whey, and a fiber supplement like Myogenix Pro Fiber can be a healthy addition to any diet. If you want ideas to incorporate these check out Top 5 Protein Smoothie Recipes.
Other natural sources of protein include lean meats, chicken, fish, eggs, nuts, and these Nutiva Organic Chia Seeds (which are also high in fiber) so make sure to include these in your next shopping day and remember that all these ideas combined give you optimal results when it comes to your goals in losing fat or gaining lean muscle.
Healthy Food Ideas – Some Meals to Get You Started
Now let’s look at some healthy meal ideas that incorporate these basic principles of healthy eating. These are just a few examples of how you can eat healthy and still enjoy what you eat!
Spinach Omelet – Whisk together 1 whole egg and 2 egg whites, and add some chopped spinach and red pepper. This is a tasty, nutritious way to start your day.
Organic Greens Salad – Toss some organic greens with a little Nutiva Organic Extra-Virgin Coconut Oil, balsamic vinegar, and lemon juice, and top with some light feta cheese, walnuts, and dried cranberries. This makes for one tasty salad!
Turkey Tacos – You can still eat healthy and enjoy your favorites. Lean ground turkey is a fantastic substitute for ground beef. Use some whole wheat tortillas and low-fat cheese, and you’ll feel totally satisfied.
Grilled Salmon & Asparagus – Salmon is one of the healthiest fish options you can eat. Brush it with a little olive oil and some lemon juice, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. If you don’t have a grill, both the salmon and asparagus can be baked. Add a side of brown rice for a complete dinner.
Healthy Protein Shake – Protein shakes can be a great meal replacement, if you do them right. Start with a scoop of Optimum 100% Natural Whey, some rice or almond milk, and some fresh fruit of your choice, and you can start or end your day with health in mind.
Have any questions or feedback about these Healthy Food Ideas? Please leave a comment below…
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