The standard American diet (SAD) is a leading cause of health problems in the country. According to the American Institute of Stress, dieting is one of the main causes of stress in America. On top of that, many people experience unwanted side effects from the diets they follow, such as digestive issues and increased anxiety.
Instead of focusing on what you cannot have, which is often the case when a diet regime is discussed, it’s important to recognize what you can have that will help you achieve your goals. For that matter, here are seven brilliant foods that will help you get there.
Salmon
If you’re looking to shed some pounds, you’re probably wondering what the best food source for protein is. If that’s the case, consider salmon, as this delicious fish contains more protein than eggs or chicken and is incredibly healthy for you. Not only that, but recent studies have also shown that consuming fish can help prevent various diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes, so it’s definitely worth considering if you’re looking for a nutritious diet option.
If you follow the Standard American Diet (SAD), you’ll find lots of fast food, which is bad for your waistline. Fortunately, there’s an alternative to the SAD that doesn’t involve eating garbage. One option is the alkaline diet, which places an emphasis not on depriving yourself of food but on providing nutritional value through organic produce and healthy proteins. The problem is that not everyone has the time to prepare their own meals, so ready-made food is also a necessity.
Spinach
There are plenty of vegetables that you can eat to help with weight loss, but none stand out more than spinach. This nutritious green contains lots of vitamins and minerals that are essential for human health and, as a result, weight loss. For that matter, one medium-size spinach leaf has about three times the Vitamin A (retinol) than an orange does and contains more Vitamin C than an apple does. What’s more, a spinach-based diet has been shown in studies to reduce cholesterol levels and boost the immune system.
If you want to lose weight, it’s best to choose organic spinach because conventional spinach is usually fertilized with manure, which is full of bacteria that cause obesity and digestive issues. Instead of indulging yourself with fast food, opt for a baked potato with grilled cheese or chicken tenders with fries and ketchup as part of your daily diet plan. The potato diet will help you shed those extra pounds while giving you good value for money.
Eggs
Eggs are a great source of protein and contain various vitamins and minerals that provide your body with the essentials it needs to function properly. A large egg has about six times the protein that a glass of red wine has and contains lots of Vitamin C, D, and B12. What’s more, a protein shake made with eggs has been shown to increase muscle mass and boost the immune system. In addition to being a healthy option, eggs are also perfect for some culinary uses, such as making a quick meal for your family or keeping a child entertained on a long car ride to grandma’s house.
If you’re still hungry after consuming all that yummy food, you can help your body maintain its ideal weight by having a protein shake after workout. The American Institute of Stress recommends having a protein shake after every workout to help build and preserve muscle mass, which in turn will help you lose weight faster.
Avocados
This all-purpose fruit contains lots of monounsaturated fats that help your body utilize fats more efficiently. What’s more, avocados are a good source of vitamins C and E, which act as antioxidants that protect your body’s cells from damage caused by free radicals, unstable molecules that can lead to cell mutations and premature aging. Free radicals also play a role in cancer development, so eating avocados can help protect you against cancer.
Consumers are increasingly aware of the health benefits associated with avocados, which is why this delicious fruit is gaining popularity as a food option. You can easily incorporate avocados into your diet, whether you follow a vegan regime or a vegetarian diet. You’ll find many restaurant chains that offer avocado-based salads and sandwiches, and in some cases, you may even find whole avocados on the menu, such as the California Avocado Festival’s signature dish, the avo-caliente.
Walnuts
This healthy staple is high in monounsaturated fats and fiber. What’s more, walnuts are a good source of antioxidants, including Vitamin E and antioxidants, which increase their nutritional value. A study from the United Kingdom Journal of Nutrition found that individuals who consumed walnuts experienced reduced oxidative stress and improved insulin sensitivity, both of which help with weight loss. Walnuts also contain a chemical, thiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid (TDCA), which helps maintain a healthy liver.
You can easily incorporate walnuts into your diet, whether you follow a vegan diet or a standard American diet. They’re high in both fat and fiber intake, so they’ll keep you satisfied for a long time. Many people enjoy nibbling on walnuts while watching TV or reading a book. You can find small bags of roasted walnuts at your local grocery store for a quick and easy snacking option.
Chilled Watermelon
This healthy fruit is packed with vitamins and minerals that your body needs to function properly. What’s more, consuming watermelon can help reduce cholesterol levels and prevent certain diseases, such as heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. A watermelon-based diet has also been shown to lower the risk of some types of cancers. The reason behind these health benefits is that watermelon contains antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, and citric acid, which act together to protect your body’s cells from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are molecules that can lead to cell mutations and premature aging. Antioxidants also help protect your skin from the damage caused by UV radiation from sunlight, harming the skin directly and leading to further skin cancer development.
If you want to lose weight, you can choose a diet that contains watermelon and still allow yourself some snacks that you might crave, such as chocolate or cookies. Alternatively, you can select a watermelon-based meal replacement product that provides all the nutrition your body needs to function at its best. Watermelon is a brilliant choice as a food source for those who are following a vegan diet, as it doesn’t contain any animal products.
Blackberries
This berry is high in antioxidants and nutrients that provide your body with the essentials it needs to function properly. The antioxidants in blackberries protect your body’s cells from damage caused by free radicals, molecules that can lead to cell mutations and premature aging. Free radicals also play a role in cancer development, so eating blackberries can help prevent certain types of cancers.
Like most berries, blackberries are high in fiber and low in cholesterol. What’s more, they’re a good source of vitamins C and E, two nutrients necessary for human health. The antioxidants in these tiny berries can help reduce inflammation, which is why they’re often found in health food stores and natural food restaurants near the entranceway. You can easily incorporate blackberries into your diet, whether you follow a vegan diet or a standard American diet. When choosing dessert options, opt for blackberries instead of other berries because of their unique taste. You’ll find many places that sell fresh blackberries by the basket at the grocery store, so make sure you have some in your fridge.
Raspberries
Raspberries belong to the genus Rubus, which also includes strawberries and boysenberries. This versatile fruit can be used to make pies, jams, and even some wines. What’s more, raspberries have been shown to reduce cholesterol and prevent Type 2 diabetes. Antioxidants and Vitamin C in raspberries protect your body’s cells from damage caused by free radicals, molecules that can lead to cell mutations and premature aging. These delicious berries are high in vitamins and minerals that your body needs to function properly.
Similarly, raspberries are low in fat, so they provide your body with essential nutrients and vitamins without adding unhealthy calories to your daily intake. When choosing a dessert option, opt for raspberries instead of other berries because of their unique taste. You can easily incorporate raspberries into your diet, whether you follow a vegan diet or a standard American diet. They’re relatively easy to find at your local grocery store and don’t require a lot of preparation time before consuming.