Less healthy, more nutritious, junk or ‘avoid-eating’; compiling a grocery list to ensure that only wholesome nutrition makes that journey from the supermarkets to your kitchen cabinets can be pretty overwhelming and confusing. Not because eating well is tricky, but more often than not foods that are not really healthy seem appealing.
Thankfully, there has been a shift in trends to indicate that people’s palates are continuing to evolve and fitness enthusiasts are gravitating towards healthier, organic and nutrition-driven recipes to optimise their efforts put in towards a long term fitness goal.
And just when you thought that an ideal grocery list to complement your fitness ambitions is a distant dream or an ‘I’ll-do-it-later’ task, Fitness First gets you a ticket to healthy eating with a nutrition-conscious line up of 11 super foods that should appear in every grocery list.
Yoghurt
High in protein and lactose free, it is a must-have in your grocery check-list especially for people who are lactose intolerant or have colon problems. Yoghurt is high in calcium, B2, B12 vitamins, potassium, and magnesium. Touted to be one of the Natural Probiotics, it is known to be of immense importance for your gut bacteria.
Almonds
One of the healthiest nuts, it is high in unsaturated fats (good fats) and protein, and is low in sugar compared to other tree nuts. With a high count in calcium, Vitamin E, Riboflavin and Niacin, it also can be consumed as almond milk, which is a great dairy substitute especially for Vegans.
Greens
Green leafy vegetables are loaded with benefits for the body. Spinach, kale and arugula are high in folic acid, Vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium. It contains ample protein compared to other plants.
Apples
High in antioxidants and dietary fibre, apples have proven to help decrease the risk of developing cancer, hypertension, diabetes and heart diseases. It is a great snack during the day.
Fish
One of the healthiest foods on earth, fish is loaded with many nutrients such as protein and Vitamin D and it is the best source of Omega 3, which has amazing benefits for your brain, hair, skin, joints and heart.
Avocado
Count on it as good fats that help decrease the LDL (bad cholesterol), and increase the HDL (Good Cholesterol). In addition to this, it is high in fibre, potassium, Vitamin E and C and Folate.
Eggs
Eggs are a very good source of high quality protein and are high in Vitamin B2, selenium, Vitamin D, B6, B12 and minerals such as zinc, iron, and copper.
Brown rice
Brown rice’s main benefit comes in the fibre content, which help decrease high cholesterol levels and blood sugar.
Quinoa
Quinoa is one of the few plant foods that has all the amino acids, is gluten free and high in fibre, magnesium, calcium, phosphorous, Vitamin E and antioxidants.
Flax seeds
Also called linseeds, they are one of the super foods that provide you with great nutritional value and very low amounts of calories. It is high in fibre, manganese, Vitamin B1 and Omega 3. It also adds a great crunch and health benefit to your salads.
Be mindful of your grocery list because you do become what you repeatedly eat. So the next time you visit the supermarket and feel confused with all the worldly options, this simple list of healthy foods will keep you focused and on task as you pace the aisles.
Happy shopping!
With thanks to BaninShahine, Nutrition Fitness Manager at Fitness First Middle East.