In a society bombarded by fad diets and fitness programmes, it can be tricky to keep up with what is good for you and what is bad for you. Countless articles online, in magazines or, in uninvited lectures from the people you know who are so quick to tell you how going vegan/keto/mediterranean has ‘changed their life’. It really can overwhelm, confuse and even bore you half to death. When it comes to healthy eating, it really does not need to be the strict and scary regime attached to so many diets. Often, these diets restrict certain food types when, in reality, there are really only two rules that you should follow.
‘Everything in Moderation’
‘Eat Fresh, Whole Foods’
There are certain foods that are so good for you and that offer so many health and nutrition benefits that, simply adding plenty of these to your daily diet plan, will help you to maintain a healthy diet.
Here at PROMiXX, we have out together a list of 7 foods that should be the staple of any healthy diet plan.
- Avocado - The most #instaworthy of all the healthy foods, the humble avocado. Seemingly bursting onto the ‘scene’ in perhaps the last ten years, the avocado has become something of a ‘trendy diet’ staple. Although avocados have garnered a rather hipster and pretentious reputation, this is of no fault of its own so, give avocado a chance. Avocados are a great source of fibre and will provide your body with healthy fats, plus, let us let you in on a secret (if you are one of the very few people yet to taste avocados), they are actually really versatile and super-delicious.
- Olive Oil - Sticking to the theme of healthy fats, olive oil is great for cooking with and adding to salads. A healthy and natural fat, olive oil seems to have been forgotten about in recent years with so many switching to coconut oil - Coconut oil is great but, don’t discard olive oil. It’s delicious and, in moderation, is very good for you.
- Salmon - it is fair to say that the majority of people don’t eat enough fish. Salmon is one of those fish that can be enjoyed in so many ways and, not only is salmon good for you but it is super-tasty. Salmon can be enjoyed in so many ways and add a great source of Omega-3 to your diet, you are only doing yourself a favour by adding it into your diet.
- Leafy Greens - Leafy greens contain so many important minerals like Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin K and iron. In any diet, it is important to get your healthy, leafy greens in. Think kale, chard and mountains of spinach. You really can’t go wrong.
- Berries - A sweet and delicious source of natural sugars, berries are low in carbohydrates and, although they contain natural sugars, in moderations they can be a healthy addition to your diet. Blueberries and raspberries are wonderful antioxidants, and blackberries and strawberries add a perfectly delicious sweetness to oats or yoghurts.
- Walnuts - As long as you do not have a nut allergy, walnuts are a healthy staple of a nutritious diet. Walnuts contain a type of Omega 3 and are a fantastic source of fibre. Walnuts are also rich in magnesium and are a great choice for a healthy snack.
- Whey Protein - Whey protein is no new-fangled product. The dairy protein has been used for centuries to promote health and physical wellbeing. There are several misconceptions when it comes to whey as many believe that it is just for bodybuilders. Whey is believed to be an ergogenic aid and is something used for muscle recovery and lean tissue synthesis. While this is true, the health benefits of whey protein go far beyond that. When the delicate structure of whey is upheld during the manufacturing process then it’s full potential is unlocked.
If you are thinking of going on a diet, we would suggest that before trying a fad diet and before cutting out food groups all together, try simply eating healthy, eating well. Start by adding some of these staple items into your daily/weekly diet and within just a couple of weeks, you should start to feel healthier.