Looking great isn’t only a matter of appearance. In fact, a lot of times, how we look has a lot to do with how feel. Whether it’s the draining summer heat or a busy business project, we could all use a little refueling at the start of the season. So as you continue to trade in your winter sweaters for bikinis and sarongs, we challenge you to try some of these ultra-healthy, mega tasty super foods. We are sure they will help you to kick off summer looking and feeling your best!
Dark Leafy Greens
With tons of minerals and fiber, dark leafy greens are a light and tasty way to revamp your diet. Spinach, arugula, and kale are rich in vitamins A and C. They also taste great in a salad, sautéed with pasta or mixed into a juice!
Quinoa
With more protein than any other grain, this super seed is a great addition to side salads and hot cereal. Surprisingly easy to make, quinoa is an awesome source for vitamin B, calcium and iron. According to Katie Cavuto Boyle, owner of HealthyBites LLC and finalist on The Next Food Network Star, this nutty flavored seed was even dubbed “the gold of the Incas” for its immense nutritional value.
Acai
Celebrated by everyone from Oprah to Dr. Oz, this little South American fruit is making a major splash in the world of health. With twice the amount of antioxidants as blueberries, acai is perfect for not only staying in shape, but also keeping your skin glowing.
Avocado
Whether it’s in a salad, omelet, or guacamole, avocado is a great source of Vitamin E and beta-carotene. According to Rovenia “Dr. Ro” Brock, nutritionist and author of Dr. Ro’s Ten Secrets to Livin’ Healthy, avocado is rich in mono-unsaturated fats which are a healthy addition to any diet.
Green Tea
With the highest concentration of antioxidants, green tea has been used for centuries to aid digestion, regulate blood sugar, and promote heart health. Tasty both hot and cold, drinking green tea is a healthy substitute for soft drinks and coffee.
Dark Chocolate
While we usually think of chocolate as a sinful treat, more and more medical studies are beginning to reveal that dark chocolate is actually a tasty way to stay healthy. Dark chocolate has been shown to have a number of benefits including lowering blood pressure, decreasing cholesterol, and even improving blood flow to your brain. So next time you have a craving for something sweet, don’t feel guilty about indulging!
Dr. Greenberg and his team want you to feel great about yourself inside and out; hopefully these healthy foods will spice up your diet and get you ready to tackle everything summer has to offer!
For more info on the super foods we’ve discussed check out some of these great links below:
http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/dr-ozs-ultimate-anti-aging-checklist?page=3#copy
http://farmflavor.com/arugula-spinach-kale/
http://www.oprah.com/food/Superfoods-Ingredients-and-Recipes-for-a-Healthy-Diet/21
http://www.foodnetwork.com/healthy-eating/healthy-eating-all-about-quinoa/index.html
http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/guilty-foods-are-surprisingly-good-you
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/green-tea-000255.htm
http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/lazy-girl-guide-getting-healthy?page=3#copy