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Here are your best bets for eating well. These 10 health foods are some of the healthiest because they meet at least three of the following criteria:

• Are a good or excellent source of fiber, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients
• Are high in phytonutrients and antioxidant compounds, such as vitamins A and E and beta carotene
• May help reduce the risk of heart disease and other health conditions
• Are low in calorie density, meaning you get a larger portion size with a fewer number of calories
• Are readily available

Apples

Why eat apples? Apples are an excellent source of pectin, a soluble fiber that can lower blood cholesterol and glucose levels. Fresh apples are also good sources of the vitamin C — an antioxidant that protects your body’s cells from damage. Vitamin C also helps form the connective tissue collagen, keeps your capillaries and blood vessels healthy, and aids in the absorption of iron and folate.

Almonds

Why eat almonds? These tear-shaped nuts are packed with nutrients — fiber, riboflavin, magnesium, iron and calcium. In fact, almonds have more calcium than any other nut — 70 milligrams (mg) in 23 almonds. And one serving of almonds provides half of your body’s Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of vitamin E.

Like all nuts, almonds provide one of the best plant sources of protein. And they’re good for your heart. Most of the fat in almonds is monounsaturated fat — a healthier type of fat that may help lower blood cholesterol levels.

Blueberries

Why eat blueberries? Blueberries are a rich source of plant compounds (phytonutrients). As with cranberries, phytonutrients in blueberries may help prevent urinary tract infections. Blueberries may also improve short-term memory and promote healthy aging.

Blueberries are also a low-calorie source of fiber and vitamin C — 1 cup of fresh blueberries has 83 calories, 3.5 grams of fiber and 14 mg of vitamin C.

Broccoli

Why eat broccoli? Besides being a good source of calcium, potassium, folate and fiber, broccoli contains phytonutrients — a group of compounds that may help prevent chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes and some cancers. Broccoli is also a good source of vitamins A and C — antioxidants that protect your body’s cells from damage.

Red beans

Why eat red beans? Red beans — including small red beans and dark red kidney beans — are good sources of iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, copper and thiamin. They’re also an excellent low-fat, low-calorie source of protein and dietary fiber. Red beans also contain phytonutrients that may help prevent chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Salmon

Why eat salmon? Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids — a type of fat that makes your blood less likely to form clots that may cause heart attacks. Omega-3s may also protect against irregular heartbeats that may cause sudden cardiac death, decrease triglyceride levels, decrease the growth of artery-clogging plaques, lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of stroke.

In addition to being an excellent source of omega-3s, salmon is low in saturated fat and cholesterol and is a good source of protein.

Spinach

Why eat spinach? Spinach is high in vitamins A and C and folate. It’s also a good source of riboflavin, vitamin B-6, calcium, iron and magnesium. The plant compounds in spinach may boost your immune system and may help keep your hair and skin healthy.

Sweet potatoes

Why eat sweet potatoes? The deep orange-yellow color of sweet potatoes tells you that they’re high in the antioxidant beta carotene. Food sources of beta carotene, which are converted to vitamin A in your body, may help slow the aging process and reduce the risk of some cancers. Sweet potatoes are also good sources of fiber, vitamins B-6, C and E, folate and potassium. And like all vegetables, they’re fat-free and relatively low in calories — one small sweet potato has just 54 calories.

Vegetable juice

Why drink vegetable juice? Vegetable juice has most of the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients found in the original vegetables and is an easy way to include vegetables in your diet. Tomato juice and vegetable juices, which include tomatoes, are good sources of lycopene, an antioxidant which may reduce the risk of heart attack, prostate cancer and possibly other types of cancer. Some vegetable and tomato juices are very high in sodium, so be sure to select the low-sodium varieties.

Wheat germ

Why eat wheat germ? At the center of a grain of wheat is the wheat germ — the part of the seed that is responsible for the development and growth of the new plant sprout. Though only a small part of the wheat seed, the germ is a highly concentrated source of nutrients, including niacin,  thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin E, folate, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, iron and zinc. The germ also contains protein, fiber and some fat.

Top 10 worst foods to have in your house

If you’re trying to follow a low-carb program, your own home can be your worst enemy. I know that’s my problem — when I’m feeling hungry, I tend to reach for a pasta instead of the lean protein. It doesn’t help that I live with a skinny man who can eat whatever he wants and not gain an ounce. To keep you from reaching for the sugar the next time you’re hungry, eDiets recommends you rid your kitchen of these items, if possible:

1. White flour
2. White sugar
3. Peanut butter name brands high sugar fat
4. Packaged cookies and cakes
5. Chips — potato and tortilla
6. White bread
7. Processed whole wheat buns
8. Pasta and noodles
9. Sugary cereal
10. Margarine
11. Mayonnaise
12. Juice
13. Over ripened bananas
14. Deli type lunch meats, subs
15. Frozen foods, like breaded chicken and fish, pizzas, french fries, etc.

There’s something else that’s high in carbs that most people don’t think of: fruity yogurts. If you want to cut down on your sugar, fat, and not waste calories, think of putting less fast foods in your system. Eat lean, and frequent if your goal is to increase lean tissue.

Dave Parise

www.resultsplus.com

Yes you are what you eat!!!!

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About Author

About the author:

Dave Parise is a recognized leader in the fitness industry. On the cutting edge of exercise today, Mr. Parise has been noted as one of the “Top 100 Trainers” in the United States and across Canada by the Association for Fitness Professionals, I.D.E.A.

Parise has 20 years of experience in Human Performance and Exercise Science. His creative culinary innovations with organic whole foods have been rated “very delicious” by top chefs in New York. Dave was born and raised in Hamden CT.

Dave Parise C.P.T. FPTA.
C.E.O. Results Plus Personal Training
www.resultsplus.com
www.fitprospersonaltrainingschool.com
203-288-8822

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