Most of us aren’t strangers to the fact that eating a balanced diet can help us feel much better about ourselves. There is just something about healthy eating that gives you energy and makes you feel your absolute best, on the inside and out! We’re going to delve a little deeper into 5 yummy foods that can be easily incorporated into your diet for a healthier mind, body, and soul.
1. Vegetable-Based Soup
Research has found that if you start a meal by eating a bowl of vegetable soup before-hand, it can help you consume much fewer calories during the meal. This goes along with the whole idea of filling up on “good” calories before a meal to help you fill up faster. A vegetable-based soup is great because it’s a tasty way to check off your daily dose of vegetables, which many find hard to do. If your body is given the correct vitamins and nutrients it needs, it will perform better, and you won’t be as tired throughout the day.
2. Brown Rice
Most of us enjoy rice with our meal, it’s even a comfort food for some. To help make this option a little healthier, opt for brown rice instead of white rice if you have the option. Brown rice contains 3 more grams of fiber per cup than white rice, helping you to get full quicker and eat less food overall. If you eat less calories at a meal, you will feel better about yourself and you won’t be so hard on yourself. Choosing foods that will help you feel full will also help keep you from mindlessly snacking throughout the day.
3. Blueberries
Did you know that blueberries are great for your heart? They have found to be linked to increased levels of good cholesterol and lowered blood pressure. In fact, mixed berries are even better for you if you have the time – raspberries, strawberries and blueberries combined! Blueberries are packed with Vitamin C, which is crucial for collagen production, meaning they’ll help keep your skin looking youthful longer. They also contain a lot of antioxidants that help shield your skin from free radial damage. Having a beautiful complexion will help you to feel good about yourself and be more confident!
4. Salmon
Fish has many different health benefits. For one, it is filled with Omega 3 Fatty Acids, which can boost your skin’s defenses against UV damage. If you’re someone who spends a great deal of time outside in the summer sun, then this could help you! Now, we’re not saying you can skip the SPF if you eat salmon, but we are saying that it could help boost your body’s natural defense against UV rays which is quite helpful!
5. Watermelon
Watermelon is full of Vitamin A, B6, C and many other nutrients that your body loves. It comes back with amino acids that are said to help relieve muscle soreness too, so next time you’re going to the gym, grab some watermelon as a great pre-workout snack! Watermelon is also 92% water so it’s a great snack when you’re feeling hungry in between meals because it’s very low in calories.
