Eating healthy is important, but seriously -- how many times can you stand to have plain chicken and broccoli for dinner?
Maybe some people like eating chicken and broccoli every night, and that’s great! But the majority of Americans probably don’t.
Over one-third of Americans are obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Statistics like these tell us that embracing healthier habits is more important than ever. However, “healthy” food has a stigma of being BORING! And eating it every day? That seems nearly impossible.
Let’s face it -- probably no one wants to eat raw vegetables all the time. But eating healthy can’t actually be impossible. There has to be a better way to do it.
Luckily, there is! There are tons of ways to work healthier choices into your diet and to make them actually taste good. Eating healthy definitely doesn’t have to be boring, especially when we have a wealth of information and recipes right at our fingertips.
Here are five common foods that not only boost your health, but can be used in a variety of tasty ways.
1. Avocados
Who doesn’t love avocados?! Avocados can do TONS of great things for your body. The monounsaturated oleic acid in avocados can help improve heart health, and fiber can aid weight loss and lower risk of disease.
Avocados are also packed with tons of vitamins and minerals and can help lower cholesterol and risk of heart disease.
Avocados can be used in a wide variety of ways. They can be spread onto whole wheat toast and paired with an egg, they can be added to salads and pastas, and they can be mashed together with other ingredients to make guacamole.
You can even make healthier versions of desserts with them, like pudding! And if you’re into the green smoothie trend, you can blend avocados into smoothies as well.
2. Blueberries
Now, these are a classic summer fruit! Blueberries are rich with antioxidants, which are known for their age- and cancer-fighting properties. According to Authority Nutrition, they can also improve memory and brain function, and they can help lower blood pressure.
Blueberries are quite versatile. They can be added to carbohydrate sources like oatmeal and cereals, and they can also be mixed into salads and blended into smoothies. Or more simply, they can be enjoyed on their own!
3. Cauliflower
Hear me out on this one! Cauliflower is both one of the most beneficial and underestimated superfoods out there. A member of the cruciferous vegetable family, cauliflower contains lots of fiber, protein, vitamin K, and antioxidants. It can help fight cancer, improve brain health, and it can have anti-inflammatory and detoxifying effects on the body.
Cauliflower can be worked into lots of different recipes, like salads. It can also be roasted and seasoned, made into soups, baked into casseroles, or even mashed into a healthier version of “mashed potatoes!”
4. Almonds
Almonds are loaded with health benefits!
They contain flavonoids, which can help protect arteries; phosphorous, which can help increase tooth and bone strength; and riboflavin, which can boost brain function. They may also benefit the nervous system and increase intellectual level and longevity, according to Care2.
A staple ingredient in many trail mixes and granola bars, almonds can also be added to cereals and yogurts, or even enjoyed on their own!
5. Oats
Oats contain whole grains and are gluten-free, making them a great option for gluten-sensitive individuals (as long as they’re not processed in a facility that handles gluten). They’re also filled with fiber, manganese, phosphorous, and a host of different vitamins. Oats are a good protein source, making them beneficial for weight loss.
They can even help lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and boost skin health.
Oats appear in lots of different foods, like oatmeal, granola bars, and cereals. They can also be baked into breads and mixed with fruits and yogurt. Not to mention, oats are a key ingredient in the ever-popular overnight oats phenomenon.
Be sure to consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet.
