Food Keeps You Healthy

Foods Keeps You Healthy!

There are natural, healthy ways to ensure you and your family are getting the vitamins necessary to stay healthy this winter. Vitamins supplements are great and I do recommended them — but I believe a proper diet is really the proper foundation to stay healthy this new year.

When I say proper diet I’m referring to real food – whole, nutritious, and plant-based foods. Easier said than done for many of us. Especially if you are busy juggling work, home, family, friends and social engagements.

Eat Real Food!

Just because it is wintertime, do not skimp on the fresh fruit. Next time you are strolling down the produce aisle pick up a kiwi or three and a couple papayas.  And don’t feel restricted to the traditional citrus fruits like oranges or grapefruits to find the vitamin C your body needs. Though these are great options, there are alternatives available that pack quite the nutritional punch. The kiwi fruit is one of the most highly concentrated sources of vitamin C. It does not skimp of vitamin E either, which is used by the body to produce antibodies. Papayas are not far behind the little fuzzy fruits. These delicious delicacies have a hefty 250 percent of the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of vitamin C along with beta-carotene and vitamin E.

Dark leafy greens should always be on the top of your grocery list.  Pack with beta-carotene, greens like kale, spinach, and collards are amazing foods.   They are convenient and practically non-caloric, while still being a nutrient-dense source of hard to obtain minerals like magnesium, calcium and potassium. Pregnant or trying to be? Stock up on collards and mustard greens.  Both are excellent sources of foliate, which your body needs more of during pregnancy due to its role in nucleic acid synthesis.

I realize that it is often difficult to enough fresh greens during the winter, so consider a quality, non-GMO green powder (that doesn’t taste like grass). I have been a huge fan of GREENS FIRST for over 15 years. This stuff isn’t available at your local grocery store, however it can be delivered directly to your front door. CLICK HERE to order Be sure to enter this code:_____. 

When it comes to herbs and spices, do not skimp on the garlic.  This pungent little bulb will ward off much more than a couple of vampires.  The common cold and flu viruses seem to flee just as quickly.  Studies have shown garlic actually helps protect you from viruses while boosting your body’s production of  antibodies.  Further, studies have indicated that garlic, eaten daily, significantly lowers total cholesterol.  Garlic has also been found to inhibit breast cancer cell formation and drastically cut the risk of developing colon cancer.  Compounds found in the bulb are involved in the production of enzymes that neutralize cancer-causing chemicals.

Load up on the dark orange fruits and veggies, as well, this year at holiday dinners.  Carrots and pumpkins are loaded with beta-carotene.  This antioxidant can be converted to vitamin A, which your body uses to maintain healthy skin.  Beyond that beta-carotene can have quite an impact on the immune system as it boosts the number of T-helper cells in the bloodstream.

Keep in mind a GREEN SMOOTHIE habit — just 1 quart a day makes it easy to get all the veggies you need super easy. Use these tips in mind as you eat well beyond the holiday season! Click here to get my FREE book “Super Simple and Super Yummy Favorites” green smoothie recipes to get you going.

Need some extra help to get you on track? Book a strategy session with me and let’s create a realistic plan for your busy life to keep you healthy and fit all year round.  Click here. I’ve spent years figuring it out, so you don’t have to!