* Collaborative post with Suttons
I'm going the long way round, but I'm really trying to re-focus on my health and well-being. I'm trying to learn more about what I need for my body to make it run well, what I'm missing out on nutritionally and what changes I need to make. I'm hitting my mid thirties this year and really need to get things in order. Short of literally stuffing some ever green shrubs in a blender for a morning smoothie, I've tried so many things, but natural wholesome food looks to be the way forward in terms of a new healthier lifestyle choice.
One thing that crops up a lot is 'super foods', that apparently we should all be eating, that often look like a bit of a 'fad', with crazes like sweet potato, kale, avocado and of course anything that we can squeeze through a spiralizer. What we need to know though is if these super foods really are super, if we need them and if it's really worth forking out for these goods that usually carry a higher price tag to similar alternatives. A super food has to contain a particularly high quantity of nutrients and antioxidants in order to be crowned the title, here's a little more about the five foods we are told are must haves in our diet.
The Avocado
Love it or hate it, this friendly fat filled fruit is highly popular, due mainly to it's texture, it's vivid colour and amazing taste. Although many would disagree as the texture and taste is not for some people. I love the avocado and admittedly I'm usually put off only by the price tag, with the cheaper options either being far too ripe or under ripe, meaning they can go to waste sometimes. There are lots of great avocado recipes out there and as it's packed with vitamins (A,C,D,E & K), folic acids, fibre and so much more, it really is a great source of the goodness our bodies require. If you enjoy the taste and texture, this is a super easy way of getting those extra nutrients, by making something like your own guacamole bread, or simply spreading on toast. People are often put off by the greasy fattiness of this fruit, but this is actually a really good source of cholesterol level reducing omega 3s, which can be used for cooking or even applied as part as your skin care routine. I think this really is a super fruit!
Sardines
Give me a tin of mackerel any day of the week, but sardines I'm not too sure, unless of course they are grilled to perfection on an Italian BBQ, I'll probably pass this one. Sardines though really are packed with goodies, reducing inflammation and helping make your skin and heart healthier. You would never guess this, but just one little tin of sardines can contain more calcium than a whole glass of cows milk, but are also high in vitamin D and those omega 3s we so badly need to keep healthy inside. The skin on these fish can also really help your own skin, don't worry though you can just eat it and your body will do the work, no fishy face masks required. These are a great choice of super food if you enjoy them as they are majorly purse friendly, filling, healthy and can be prepared in lots of ways, like this recipe, served on toast with sweet pickled red onion.
Mango
I don't know about you, but I can never get mangos right. Much like avocados, I tend to buy ones that are nowhere near ready or far too ripe and sloppy, a flavour I'm not keen on, but could be great in smoothies. The mango is a super quick digesting carbohydrate, with over 20 vitamins as well as antioxidants and minerals. An easy but unexpected carb hit for the sporty ones and super tasty. You can try eating mango in recipes too, it goes really well with savoury options, especially chicken and this works well in something like this chicken mango salad. Another reasonably cheap but tasty super food, well worth adding to your diet, especially for a quick energy boost!
Quinoa
I have to admit I've had a bit of a quinoa phase and it is a very satisfying food to add to your dishes. Quinoa isn't a grain, but packed with goodness and proteins which can aid muscle repair. This is also packed with carbs, making it a brilliant energy boost that will last a long time. Quinoa is also gluten free, high in fibre and doesn't have to be expensive, with dishes such as this spinach and mushroom recipe.
For me, this undoubtedly has some great qualities and can easily be added to a lot of meals to make them extra filling and nutritious, whilst also adding another texture which always livens up a dish.
Sweet potato
I'm the only one in our house that likes sweet potato so we rarely eat it now, but this again is another food packed with must have nutrients. A great source of potassium, carbs, minerals and antioxidants, the sweet potato is very versatile and to me - its delicious too! These are higher in fibre than regular potatoes and can help with digestion. The sweet potato is also said to help the breathing system, reducing congestion in the nose, and help with the relief of asthma and bronchitis.
Sweet potatoes tend to be a little more expensive than regular potatoes, but there tends to be a lot less waste that other veggies and can be easily grown at home if you want to start growing your own food. This is basically a healthier potato choice, so if you do like the taste and don't mind paying a few more pence, it's a great choice. Why not add as a topping to shepherd’s pie for an easy addition to your regular dishes.
Although some foods do come to us in 'fad' form, the super foods are proven to have higher nutrients and undoubtedly give us great things for our bodies to function well. These are all easy to obtain foods too, not overly expensive and can be easily Incorporated (or even hidden) in a variety of delicious meals.
Do you enjoy any of these super foods?
