Food trends abound, super food trends wax and wane and the “it” food of today might be old news by next week. But some foods are here to stay. They might seem to be part of the latest fad, but they deserve some real attention. Listen up to these five foods that have already made the headlines but should not be pushed back into the annals of history just yet.
1. Kale
This luscious and leafy green is a tasty and filling vegetable with huge quantities of vitamins and minerals that are great for digestion and keeping you feeling fresh. There are plenty of kale related products out there, but buying the veg fresh is best. Bagged kale chips, even when marketed as “healthy” can have quite a bit of added sodium, and even sugar. Cut out the unnecessary calories by buying your own kale and finding a quick recipe for your own kale chips. Or for a super easy, and cheap fix for your snacking needs, try washing a bunch of fresh kale, shred into small pieces and massage together with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, a bit of honey and a dash each of salt and garlic powder. You’ll get that salty fix without the bad stuff.
2. Quinoa
For those who are always craving something carby – like pasta, quinoa can be a great option. It is superbly high in protein, has a similar texture to carbs, and is wonderfully filling. While eating healthy should not mean just finding ways to make healthy foods taste like unhealthy foods, quinoa can be a great gateway for people trying to cut out the bad stuff from their diets. Cooking up quinoa is easy and it can be flavored really to taste. While it can also serve as a replacement to rice, there are plenty of ways to dress up quinoa in some tasty and creative ways. For a really easy dinner try cooking up some quinoa, roasting some sweet potatoes and throwing over lettuce. Sprinkle with dried cranberries, lemon juice, olive oil and salt and pepper.
3. White, Red and Black Beans
Beans get a bad rep for being heavy and having less than desirable side effects, but the real truth is that beans have excellent flavor and are incredibly versatile. Canned beans are quick, but for those who really want to be careful with their sodium, dried beans are a better option. Simply soak the beans overnight and boil when you are ready to use them. You can add the exact amount of salt you desire without worrying about other additives. Easy chili recipes abound, but to add a dash of protein into your daily diet, throw a bunch of beans over your salad for a tasty power punch.
4. The Antioxidants
Every day it seems like there is more talk about antioxidants. Things like blueberries and pomegranates are the “it” foods that everyone seems to think will work magic on their figures. The truth is though, that these fruits offer serious doses of minerals that can be good for skin and digestion. While they’re in style, they’ll be a little on the pricey side. But, a cheaper way to add berries to your diet is to go with frozen. They offer the same health benefits without the price tag.
5. Yogurt
Frozen yogurt is probably the more fashionable option these days, but the tasty treat is loaded with sugar. Your digestive track will thank you for indulging in yogurt every now and then. The downside is that most yogurt options contain ridiculously high amounts of sugar. In order to make the naturally sour snack palatable, companies load up on the corn syrup. Try looking for sugar free or plain yogurt. Add a spoon or honey or some agave syrup and top with berries or granola for a low sugar treat that will provide wonderful amounts of protein and energy.
Remember that no single food is going to solve every single problem, everything needs to be eaten in moderation. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and get creative. Happy snacking!