Nutrition 101

I definitely did not get set up last Sunday. So I'm going to try again this week...

10 Superfoods that Have a Positive Impact on Youth and Aging

Superfoods are foods that deliver a powerful 1-2 punch nutritionally. For example, they may be low in calories and high in fiber content. Or they are fortified with vitamins and minerals and low in refined sugars and saturated fats.

Despite medical technology and the ability to have plastic surgery and various cosmetic procedures, every day that passes adds another day to life. Many people try to incorporate common sense strategies to maintain optimal health which can effectively slow the aging process. One of these strategies is to eat a healthy diet of clean foods that deliver significant nutritional value.

The following are a list of 10 superfoods that can slow down aging and deliver significant health benefits:

1.  Low-fat or fat-free yogurt because it is high in calcium, plus it usually contains a significant amount of protein and potassium.
2. Eggs are amazing because they are versatile, cheap and chockfull of protein.
3. Nuts may be high in fat, but it's good, heart-healthy fat which can actually help lower cholesterol so you're in the clear. Think moderation even though nuts add value because of their protein, high fiber, and antioxidants.
4. Kiwis are also full of antioxidants and they are an excellent source of potassium, fiber, and a decent source of vitamin A and vitamin E.
5. Quinoa is now readily available, high in protein, fiber, and iron. It's an interesting, old-school grain.
6. Beans are the magical fruit...they contain protein, carbs, magnesium and potassium. They provide insoluble fiber which helps to lower cholesterol and soluble fiber which keeps you full for longer.
7. Salmon has a high omega-3 fatty acid content which benefits your heart. Plus, this fish will help your skin and hair glow...naturally.
8. Broccoli tastes good, is able to be prepared in many ways and is widely available. Eat it raw or steamed and you'll get your vitamin A, vitamin C, and bone-building vitamin K, plus some fiber to fill you up and help control your weight.
9. Sweet potatoes are loaded with vitamin C, calcium, and potassium. They make great baked fries...you can put away the salt because their natural flavor is amazing.
10. Berries are high in antioxidants, phytonutrients, low in calories and provide just enough sweet deliciousness so that you drop the bag of candy and dig into the berries instead.

Bon appetit!

Nutrition 101: Planning meals for the week

My struggle is sloth. I thought that that word didn't apply to me until I was told otherwise. When I looked it up in the dictionary I realized that I am very lazy in some respects. Whoopsie. That said, I'm working hard in this area of my life and would like to turn over a new leaf. I am going to plan out my meals for the week! Kathy Kaehler has an amazing program called Sunday Set-Up where you set-up your meals for the week on Sundays. Fail to plan, plan to fail...I want to avoid that if possible! I am going to utilize this easy-to-follow program and report my progress in a week!