For this upcoming festive season, there’s no need to starve yourself or go on strict diets, this since you can fill your plate with all of the wholesome potent Superfoods to fuel that hunger.
The holiday season surrenders to excess, but you can fill yourself, your family and guests with delicious guilt free food, so you can just let yourself go, overindulge, and just enjoy yourself. So rather than wondering what or how you’re going to manage the invariable post holiday weight gain, and what diet plan you’re going to try, why not begin planning now.
Instead of punishing or depriving yourself by restricting your food intake, nutritional food experts suggest that you begin serving select superfoods and then begin incorportating them onto your dinner table.
You can then afford to eat more, and these foods will actually help you in maintaining your weight, or even losing it.
What Are Superfoods
Superfoods are a group of foods worthy of the “super” tag because they contain the highest concentrations of nutrients which are easily digestible.
All superfoods contain natural vitamins and minerals, along with fat burning compounds which protects while healing your body. Listed are the most potent of these superfoods which are not only extremely nutritious, but they keep you full as well.
They’ll also protect your health by reducing the risk of colds, disease, and illness, while boosting your energy and relieving the stress that’s associated with the holidays.
Fruits And Vegetables Which Are Considered Superfoods
An Apple A Day
Eating an apple a day still works in keeping the doctor away, while also stopping food cravings which are caused by stress. Apples usually contain two times the fiber of other fruits while being low in calories, which keeps your blood sugar levels in check.
They’re also loaded with quercetin and catechin, which are extremely potent antioxidants, protecting your cells from damage. The everyday common apple is also known to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Eating the skin of organic apples is particular valuable as they contain five times more polyphenols than the body itself. So incorporate apples into all your baked goods, while adding them into your salads as well.
All In For Avocados
Some dieters are known to actually avoid avocados because of their fat content. But health experts, however, claim that’s the exact reason why you should be eating them.
Yes, they do contain fat, but they contain the healthy monounsaturated fat which has been linked to reducing heart disease and diabetes. They also contain high amounts of fiber along with being an excellent source of the antioxidant lutein, which is linked to better eye and skin health.
Avocados can also be effective in warding off holiday weight gain since they’re able to burn off unneeded fat in the body. So toss diced avocado directly in your salads, or begin your day with an avocado smoothie.
Avoid The Blues With Blueberries
Blueberries are one of the most potent of the anti-aging superfoods, which also contain the highest levels of antioxidant of any fruit. So it’s highly recommended that they remain on the top of your list. They’re also rich in anthocyanins, which have proven to show improvement in vision, as well as brain function.
Blueberries also effectively slows down motor coordination impairment while retaining memory, both associated with the aging process. They’re also known to reduce inflammation in the body, which is now inextricably linked with almost every chronic disease.
So make blueberries a staple when it comes to your holiday breakfast, salads, baking, and desserts.
Pomegranates Are Perfect
Pomegranates, those juicy red seeds contain up to 3 times the antioxidants of most red wines as well as green tea. Pure pomegranate juice is loaded with extreme health benefits.
Drinking the juice, as pure as possible, has shown to reduce plaque clogging up the arteries, which prevents heart disease and stroke. Longer term research provides evidence that the consumption of pomegranate juice can slow down the aging process while protecting against major diseases.
The Dark And Leafy Greens
When it comes to any green vegetables which are leafy, the darker and more organic they are, the better. The darkest of the greens are considered the most concentrated when it comes to nutrition.
These greens are loaded with vitamin K, which naturally regulates blood clotting, while also helping in protecting the bones from osteoporosis. These darkies are also nonexistent in calories, ultra high in fiber, and extremely versatile. So make a lot of salads or saute greens as a side dish this season.
Say Yes To Salmon
Wild fresh rich salmon is found to be one of the most healthiest of protein sources that you can eat. But along with the protein, salmon is teaming with healthy doses of omega-3 fatty acids, which is known to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, arthritis, diabetes, and even mild depression.
Experts now recommend that adults eat at least 2 servings of fish per week, especially wild salmon, sardines, or herring. The omega-3 fatty acids which these seafoods contain also improves insulin sensitivity, which helps in building muscle while decreasing belly fat. Salmon makes an excellent side dish to a main course meal for your holiday guests.
Try These Superfoods As Well
Olive Oil
Another excellent product which is a cancer inhibitor is olive oil, which happens to be an extremely healthy source of fat, also containing natural anti-inflammatory properties.
It’s recommended that you replace the other fats in your diet, and strictly use extra virgin olive oil instead. Doing so can significantly reduce your blood pressure while lowering the risk of heart disease.
So a diet that’s rich in cold-pressed, and not heated olive oil fights inflammation in the body. So begin by incorporating olive oil directly into your holiday meals by substituting it for butter.
Ah For Almonds
Almonds are relatively high in fat and calorie content, but they show that eating them helps in lowering bad cholesterol and weight. This because almonds contain much needed fiber, protein, and monounsaturated fats.
Eating almonds also provides a feeling of being full, which can prevent overeating, which is a common habit during the holidays.
Goo Goo For Garlic
Fresh garlic in addition to it being excellent for adding flavor to your favorite holiday foods, also shows that it lowers bad cholesterol and triglyceride. This helps in preventing clogged arteries.
There’s research which supports that just consuming 2 to 3 cloves of garlic a day can reduce the odds of heart disease and stroke in half. Garlic is also on the top of the list when it comes to potential cancer preventive foods.