Tasty and delicious, these guilt-free treats can be enjoyed every day.
Working out and eating healthy are important in any fitness program - proper nutrition and exercise go hand in hand, but adding a few key foods can help you to feel better and perform optimally.
Super fitness foods are packed with nutrients, are low in calories and easy to include in any diet.
Broccoli
At 27 calories per half-cup serving, fibre-rich broccoli is loaded with vitamin C, beta carotene, calcium and folic acid. A cruciferous veggie, broccoli is rich in antioxidants that protect against aging, cancer and heart disease. Because it's high in fibre, broccoli aids digestion and promotes elimination, while the calcium keeps bones healthy. For maximum benefit, broccoli should be eaten several times every week.
Quinoa
High in protein, quinoa is a filling and fibre-rich complex carbohydrate that cleans the intestinal tract. Taken daily, it can reduce constipation and help the liver to eliminate waste products. Because it's gluten free, quinoa is a great option for anyone allergic to wheat. Low in fat and calories, a cup of quinoa delivers more protein than one egg. Eat quinoa for breakfast, and it will keep you going strong until lunch.
Avocados
Some nutritionists recommend eating an avocado every day. High in oleic acid, avocados guard against breast and oral cancers while maintaining healthy eyesight. According to some studies, avocados can lower cholesterol by up to 17%. Best of all, the high antioxidant levels protect against free radicals that cause aging. If 322 calories per avocado is unmanageable, try eating one-half fruit instead.
Salmon
Low in calories and high in omega-3 fatty acids, salmon has anti-inflammatory properties that keep joints healthy. The anti-aging omega-3 fatty acids increase collagen and elastin production, keeping skin firm and nourishing hair. A brain food, salmon sharpens cognition and reduces depression. Two servings of salmon every week may help protect against breast, colon and rectal cancers while lowering blood pressure.
Eggs
For years people have thought a diet high in eggs leads to unhealthy levels of cholesterol. However, recent studies show no connection between eggs and stroke or heart attack in healthy adults. At 75 calories, eggs are an excellent low-calorie source of pure protein that's easy to absorb. Amino acids help repair muscles after a workout, while the vitamins and minerals nourish hair and nails.
Bananas
At 108 calories each, four to six bananas per week can help to maintain healthy digestion, lower blood pressure and curb appetite. They are dubbed nature’s energy snack and are great brain food to help keep you alert while at work. Because they're rich in potassium, bananas are good for bones. The potassium neutralises sodium, which can cause calcium loss. Bananas also nourish healthy bacteria in the digestive system, helping the body to absorb nutrients and resist bacterial infection.
Super foods can help you look and feel your best today while promoting long-term health and fitness over time. This article was written by the team at Orbit Fitness, Western Australia's biggest fitness equipment retailer. Orbit Fitniss is a proudly family owned business and have built up a solid reputation for almost 30 years. Check out their unbeatable prices on treadmills today.
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