Better Foods

Posted on January 6, 2010 
Filed Under High School Reunion Diet Blog

Now that you’ve read “The High School Reunion Diet” it’s time to graduate to better foods!

Your grocery cart should already be filled with good-for-you basics such as fresh produce, whole grains, and heart-healthy oils. Now take your shopping list to the next level with better for you food picks! Upgrade your grocery lists with these weight-busting & energy-revving foods…

grassfedbeef

Best: Grass-fed beef
It’s definitely pricier than regular beef, but the “good for you” perks make it worth the splurge. Compared with grain-fed beef, grass-fed packs twice the concentration of vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects cells from damage that can lead to chronic diseases. It’s also high in the compound CLA, fatty acids that researchers link with weight loss. Plus, it’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids, rivaling some fish. According to researchers, feeding grass to cattle boosts the omega-3 content of beef by 60%. Because this type of beef tends to be lower in overall fat, it can be tough–so marinate it, and use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.

egg

Best: Omega-3-fortified eggs
They have all the nutrients of regular eggs, plus up to 300 mg or so of the heart-protective fatty acids in each one. Experts recommend 1,000 mg of DHA and EPA a day; but, because most people don’t eat enough fish to meet this goal, these eggs can offer another way to add omega-3s to your diet.

GY

Best: Greek yogurt
It has just as much calcium as regular yogurt and twice the protein–but it tastes richer and creamier! Be sure to choose the 0% fat variety to lower calories and eat it Dr. Colbert style – -with fresh blueberries and a drizzle of honey!

salmn

Best: Salmon
Salmon’s one of the best sources of omega-3s you can find. Research has found that a diet including fatty fish like salmon is linked to lowering the risk of heart issues, stroke, and even diabetes. Wild has a slight edge over farm-raised, because it may be lower in contaminants such as PCBs and dioxins–but both versions are equally nutritious.

spinach

Best: Spinach
Spinach is rich in iron, which helps deliver oxygen to your cells to keep you alert and energized. And research links eating antioxidant-rich spinach with a lower risk of age-related macular degeneration (an eye disease). Keep your eyes “looking” good and nourish yourself with this superfood!

Grab some of these good at your local farmers market. For New Yorkers, Union Square is a great place to start!

Comments

Leave a Reply