May 16, 2014
Looking for a mouth-watering and healthy pre-practice snack, but not sure what’s really a nutrient-rich super food? We know with all the information out there it can be hard to figure out what’s a fad and what’s the real deal. Below is a list of 5 of our favorites that will help you get the most out of your downward dog!
1. Blueberries
Filled with antioxidants, potassium, vitamin C, and phytoflavinoids (a molecule that’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory packed!), blueberries are simply amazing and simply delicious. Try eating about a handful (or ½ cup) a day to give your body a much needed boost of anti-inflammatory antioxidants every day of the week!
2. Salmon
Rich in fatty Omega 3s, proteins, and vitamins A and B, salmon is not only delicious but can help with everything from heart disease and arthritis to memory loss and Alzheimer’s. Pick up some wild salmon or any wild (not farmed!) cold water fish (such as mackerel, sardines or herring) for a power packed punch of super food goodness!
3. Dark Chocolate
That’s right: chocolate. Dark chocolate with a 60% or higher cacao content is packed with antioxidants and can even help lower blood pressure. We recommend going with an even higher cacao content, because the darker the chocolate, the lower the fat and sugar content and the higher the health benefits. Also, if you’re getting a case of afternoon drowsiness but don’t want to be kept up all night, just try a 1 oz. serving of dark chocolate! It tastes delicious and has as much caffeine as 1 oz. of coffee for a little burst of energy that won’t keep you from your beauty sleep.
4. Spinach
Ok, so green and leafy pretty much guarantees it’s healthy. But (much like the other foods on this list), spinach really goes the extra mile with its antioxidant qualities. Look for this and other dark green and leafy vegetables (such as kale, collards and broccoli) the next time you’re in the mood for a simple salad or want to add some extra nutrients to that new stir-fry recipe you’ve been meaning to try. The darker the color means the higher the concentration of antioxidants and good stuff like vitamin A, C, and folic acid is going to be. The next time you’re in the produce section, skip the iceberg and go for the real heavyweights of the green and leafy world.
5. Oats
Filled with fiber and protein, whole grain oats are one of the heroes of the super food world. Incorporate them into your daily life by going with whole grain bread instead of processed white bread, and substitute that sugary cereal in the morning with a hot bowl of oatmeal. While these may sound like fairly easy steps to take, think again: when buying any kind of wheat product, make sure to check out the ingredient label to make sure one of the following ingredients is first on the list: brown rice, buckwheat, bulgur, cracked wheat, millet, oatmeal, quinoa, rolled oats, whole grain barley, whole-grain corn, whole-grain sorghum, whole-grain triticale, whole oats, whole rye, whole wheat or wild rice. That way, you know you’re getting the real whole grain benefits instead of just the processed stuff in disguise.
For a great selection of super yoga products to supplement your super foods, check out www.barefootyoga.com today!
