Chia Seeds
I know what you are thinking…chia pets? The outdoor plants? No, chia seeds! They are packed with fiber, high in omega 3 fatty acids (the good fats!) and keep you fuller longer. Chia seeds are extremely good for you and good for anyone’s diet. They can be mixed into any liquid, like cereal, smoothies, yogurts, and even substitute it for the butter in any of your favorite baked goods. You can replace half the needed butter in a recipe with chia gel. The food will taste and bake the same. The anti-oxidants in chia can even help keep your food tasting fresh longer. Who knew a seed could help you lose weight, make your baked goods taste better and become better for you, and contain all the healthy vitamins and minerals we need!
Where to buy: Whole Foods, natural food stores, The Vitamin Shoppe, GNC
Eggs
Scrambled, sunny side, hardboiled, or just the whites, eggs are packed with protein. Protein is key because it fills you up while providing nutrients and maintaining energy. Hardboiled eggs are a great snack at 70 calories per egg. One egg contains 6 grams of high-quality protein and all 9 essential amino acids. For us lovely ladies, eggs help us with three things: they provide us with naturally occurring vitamin D, prevent breast cancer, and promote healthy hair and nails because of their wide array of vitamins and minerals.
Where to buy: Anywhere you buy groceries!
Green Tea
Sweetened or unsweetened, iced or hot, green tea is a refreshing and rejuvenating drink. Green tea jump starts metabolism and aids in digestion. It’s packed with antioxidants which help the skin, anti-aging process, immunity, and can even prevent cancer. A hot cup of green tea a day to start the morning and a venti iced, unsweetened green tea from Starbucks in the afternoon is a perfect pick-me-up! For a special treat, try some green tea ice cream!
Where to buy: Buy tea bags or loose tea at any grocery store, Starbucks, or local coffee shops
Blueberries
The candy fruit, blueberries have the highest antioxidant capacity of all fresh fruit. When eaten on a daily basis blueberries can help in reducing belly fat, preventing urinary tract infections, and aid digestion. Blueberries are yummy eaten alone, mixed into cereal, or blended in a smoothie.
Where to buy: any local grocery store, farmers markets, or local farm
Quinoa
Quinoa is a low carb but satisfies one’s carb craving. It is packed with flavor and comes in all different types. It can be eaten alone, in all sorts of salads, or as a substitute for pasta. High in vitamins, minerals and protein, while low in fat and calories, it is a dieter’s dream! A major benefit of quinoa is the amount of iron it contains. Many women don’t get enough iron due to the lack of meat in our diets, and a cup of cooked quinoa offers 15 percent of the U.S. Recommended Daily Allowance of iron. It helps to deliver oxygen to the blood, and boosts energy and brain power.
Where to buy: Any local grocery store, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, or health food store