Nearly 40% of Americans eat fast food on a regular basis. Not only is it high in calories, but it can also increase your risk of heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and other chronic conditions.
Given that, it’s best to avoid eating it altogether. Opt for delicious healthy food instead—they’ll give your body the nutrients that it needs to function properly.
Need some ideas? Looking for some things to add to your diet? Then you’re at the right place.
We’ll be going over some of the best healthy foods to eat below—so be sure to keep reading!
1. Lean Protein
The human body is mostly made up of protein; it’s in our muscles, skin, hair, bone, and virtually every other tissue. Without it, our bodies wouldn’t be able to function properly.
Not only will you lose muscle mass, but your metabolism will also slow down. On top of that, it can cause weakness and fatigue if your cells don’t get enough oxygen (proteins are responsible for transporting blood throughout the body).
That’s why it’s so important to include protein in your diet—lean protein, to be exact. Ideally, you want to aim for 5-7 ounces each day. Some good sources include lean ground beef, chicken, eggs, white-fleshed fish, and turkey.
For vegans, there are beans, lentils, seitan, tofu, nuts, and hemp seeds (learn more about the health benefits of a vegan lifestyle).
2. Cruciferous Vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables contain glucosinolates, sulfur-containing compounds that have anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects. Studies have also shown that they may help prevent and treat metabolic syndrome.
That’s not all—they’re also rich in various nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate. Plus, they’re high in fiber.
Some cruciferous vegetables include broccoli, cauliflower, bok choy, kale, cabbage, radish, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts. Leafy greens such as watercress and arugula also contain beneficial sulfur compounds.
3. Berries
Berries are rich in bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, and anthocyanins. Not only will they prevent heart disease, but they can also lower the risk of certain cancers. How? By keeping free radicals under control.
They’re also high in vitamin C, an essential nutrient that’s necessary for the growth, development, and repair of tissues (e.g. tendons, skin, ligaments, blood vessels). Also, they’re low in calories, which makes them a healthy food for losing weight.
If you can, opt for fresh or frozen berries—they contain more phytonutrients than the dried variety. Some good options include blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, cranberries, and blackberries.
The Best Healthy Foods to Eat
Now you know what some of the best healthy foods to eat are! As you can see, there are many things that can benefit your health, from lean protein to berries.
Did you find the information in this post helpful? For more articles like this, check out the rest of our food and drinks section!
