It’s been a looooong winter, and the signs may be showing in places other than your snow-filled lawn. If you’ve indulged a little too much this winter, you’re not alone. It’s easy to get ‘lax about a healthy lifestyle when you are wearing large sweaters all day. To help you get back on your healthy path, here are 10 superfoods you might want to make a priority (if you haven’t already):
Plain yogurt
Yogurt is filled with probiotics that are essential for a healthy gut. A healthy gut means your metabolism will be working better so you will develop less fat. Look out for the phrase “live active cultures” on packages.
Leafy greens
Greens like spinach, kale or collard greens are all rich in vitamins and fiber. Not only are they low in calories and good for metabolism, but they also benefit anti-aging and cardiovascular health. Adding more greens into your life can be gradual too. If you eat eggs in the morning, for instance, try swapping one less egg for a handful of greens.
Berries
Rich in antioxidants and fiber, they taste great and promote healthy digestion. You can add berries to your yogurt or blend them into a smoothie. Just be careful not to make smoothies a habit, as too much sugar (even natural sugar) can give you more cravings!
Green tea
Green tea has a high level of antioxidants, reduces inflammation and improves heart health. It also has beneficial fat-burning qualities due to its small amount of caffeine, which helps to stimulate this.
Apple cider vinegar
Don’t drink this plain (because ew) but consider incorporating it into your daily diet. It increases metabolism, decreases water retention and helps aid in digestion. The best way I’ve found to drink it is to mix it with apple juice or tea.
Avocado
Avocado is rich in healthy fats which keep you feeling full longer, thus keeping you from overeating. Eating avocado will also aid in preventing a backed-up colon by attracting water into your digestive system.
Fish
Fish is rich in omega-3s which lower triglycerides and cholesterol. But the real star power of fish (particularly oily fish) is that it can improve your gut biome, which means you will have more digestive-aiding bacteria to help your digestive system do its thing more efficiently.
Dark chocolate
Yes, you read that right. The bacteria in our stomachs positively react with the antioxidants and fiber in cocoa, and in turn, promote healthier digestive and cardiovascular systems. Opt for cocoa powders with little to no sugar content or purchase chocolate bars with high cocoa percentages.
Cinnamon
Eating cinnamon helps to control insulin levels, and also prevents increased storage of fat cells. It is also a carminative, which is a substance that aids the digestive process and prevents gas, which means less bloating! Other examples of carminatives you can incorporate include cardamom, cumin, fennel, mint and ginger.
Chili peppers
Capsaicin, the component in peppers that gives them their heat, has been found to help increase metabolism and burn more fat. Spice up your life!
Sources:
https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article/80/2/245/4690304
http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20918991,00.html#probiotic-foods–0
http://www.onegreenplanet.org/natural-health/foods-that-boost-your-digestive-health/
http://www.besthealthmag.ca/best-eats/digestion/the-foods-to-eat-for-a-healthy-gut/
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-is-dark-chocolate-good-for-you-thank-your-microbes/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4808672/
