Nutrition Tip – Superfoods: A Vitamin, Mineral and Antioxidant Reboot!

Superfoods kick butt in the health department! They are foods that are naturally healing. They are high in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and they’re often a good source of fiber. Many are packed with phytonutrients (extra healthy plant compounds) or loaded with healing, anti-inflammatory fats. They’re super good for you, and they’re foods where a little bit goes a long way.

Our thanks to Erika Mesirov for re-schooling us on the importance of superfoods!

Superfoods: a Vitamin, Mineral and Antioxidant Reboot

A lot of times I’ll have the best of intentions in eating healthy. But then I’ll be scheduled to be on the westside in the morning, with too little time to get to the Valley by mid-day. And don’t even talk to me about sitting down for a formal lunch. It ain’t gonna happen. And all of a sudden, my super duper healthy intentions seem like a unicorn filled fantasy. But I never despair. I just bring a baggie full of superfoods! And this helps me get the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants i need for my day.

What are superfoods

Scholars may debate on an exact definition. But the bottom-line is that superfoods kick butt in the health department. They are foods that are naturally healing. They are high in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. They’re often a good source of fiber. Maybe they’re packed with phytonutrients (extra healthy plant compounds.) They might be loaded with healing, anti-inflammatory fats. They’re super good for you, and they’re foods where a little bit goes a long way.

Things to love about superfoods

They are jammed packed with nutrition – Most often when you eat in a rush, it probably involves a fast food window. And the sad thing about that is much fast food is so depleted in nutrition, that they take more vitamins and minerals to digest than they actually provide. But Superfoods are the opposite. They provide tons of nutrition in a tiny package.

They can help make up for other bad choices in your day – Yay, I’m giving you permission to eat crappy! No, I’m really not. But, if you’re not getting perfect nutrition at every meal, superfoods can help fill in the gaps.

They can be fun to eat – Eating healthy doesn’t have to be a drag. Food can be nutritious and tasty at the same time. Wanna bet? Did you know raw cacao is a superfood? What about goji berries? Raw honey anyone? Hey, don’t forget about blueberries and blackberries. Ooooh, and nuts can be superfoods too!

How to incorporate more superfoods into your diet?

You’ve gotta have a plan. Just INTENDING to eat healthy isn’t gonna cut it. Think back to your New Year’s resolution. If you didn’t make a plan, it probably didn’t happen.

You can start slowly. We’re running a marathon here people, not a sprint! Pick a couple of superfoods that most appeal to you. The point is to start where you’re most comfortable.

For instance, let’s say you have a snack every day at about 3pm to tide you over until dinner. Well, here’s the new rule. Every day that snack must include a superfood. One day you’ll have kale chips. The next, almonds coated with cinnamon. The next, a cup of yogurt topped with blueberries, blackberries and strawberries. Did someone say YUM?

Do this for 1 week. You’ll be amazed at how great you feel eating real, wholesome snacks as opposed to your normal protein bar fix or bag of salty chips!

Superfoods can change your life

Busy lives lend themselves to bad habits. Years ago, the division of labor allowed for someone to be in the kitchen cooking for the family all day. Food was lovingly prepared and nutrient rich. Now, most of us are running in many different directions at the same time. Cooking is so yesterday.

Now we have to get our nutrition where we can. Which is why incorporating superfoods into your diet can be so monumental. And keep in mind, superfood consumption shouldn’t take the place of an all-around healthy diet. But if your healthy diet has gotten away from you, eating superfoods is a fabulous way to play catch up!

What’s the next step?

Download your Fifty Nifty Superfoods That Are Fun To Eat! from Erica Mesirov’s website. Pick 3 or 4 that first grab your attention. And start incorporating them into your diet. Bring them in as snacks. Add them into meals. Share them with friends! This is a great way to fast-track yourself into a healthier lifestyle and fill in the gaps in your diet!