25May, 16

Seven Slimming SuperFoods

Posted in Clean POV, Recipes by Rachel

“Studies tend to show that in terms of weight loss, diet plays a much bigger role than exercise,”

Philip Stanforth, professor of exercise science at the University of Texas.

Here’s a very common scenario:

Someone (let’s call her Judy) sets a goal to reach a certain weight within a particular time frame.

Judy gets ready with her workout plan.

Judy is inspired and motivated to start a healthy lifestyle.

Judy tries out the recommended exercises for a few weeks, but it seems the weight is not budging at all.

Judy decides to take a look at her diet – and lo and behold, it seems there may be a problem.

If you really want to slim down, it is essential to give some serious attention to what you eat too!

So, exactly how?

Here’s 7 SuperFoods that will fuel your body:

1. Oats

Add oats to your breakfast selection – this superfood will help you get the energy you need for the day!

Steer clear of the instant variety and go for minimally-processed rolled or steel-cut oats.

These are the Oats I use – https://cleanfoodcrush.com/oats

This whole grain packs 5 grams of fiber in each 1/2 cup serving, can help lower bad cholesterol in your body, has heart-healthy benefits, and will fill you up so you don’t end up consuming extra snacks in between meals.

Think oats make for a bland and boring meal? Not if you know what you’re doing with them!

Here are some recipes to get you excited to eat oats:

https://cleanfoodcrush.com/choco-strawberry-oats/

https://cleanfoodcrush.com/oats-n-cacao-berry-cups

https://cleanfoodcrush.com/almond-joy-protein-balls/

https://cleanfoodcrush.com/no-bake-energy-bars

2. Avocado

While high on fats (14.1 grams for a medium-sized avocado) avocado contains vitamin K, folate, potasssium, vitamin C, vitamin E, as well as Vitamin B5 and B6!

If that’s not impressive enough, you’ll also be glad to know that the fat content in avocado is actually a mono-unsaturated fatty acid called oleic acid, which is known to help reduce inflammation in the body.

It can also help boost your body’s metabolic process with its seven grams of fiber per 100 gram serving – a must for sliming down!

Think avocado is just a snack item?

Here are some great ways to enjoy this superfood:

https://cleanfoodcrush.com/salmon-avocado-peaches/

https://cleanfoodcrush.com/apple-avocado-turkey-wraps/

https://cleanfoodcrush.com/avo-taco/

https://cleanfoodcrush.com/cucumber-tuna-rolls/

https://cleanfoodcrush.com/blt-avocados/

3. Broccoli

Broccoli is definitely a superfood that’s a must-include on your shopping list. This cruciferous vegetable has an abundant percentage of vitamin K (around 127% of the daily recommended serving for 100 grams of raw brocolli) and vitamin C.

It also has antioxidant content in the form of flavonoids like kaempferol and quercitin which are both anti-inflammatory, and also helps improve the body’s ability to fight off infections.

Want to know how to make delicious meals with this superfood?

Here are a few recipes you can use:

https://cleanfoodcrush.com/shrimp-broccoli/

https://cleanfoodcrush.com/veggie-frittata/

https://cleanfoodcrush.com/veggie-packed-stir-fry/

4. Chia seeds

You’ve probably seen these small, black seeds in health food stores and some drinks.

These little seeds are packed with nutrients!

They contain antioxidants which help fight oxidative stress, 11 grams of fiber to aid your digestive system, carbohydrates to energize you, and a significant amount of calcium for better bone health.

This gluten-free superfood also has protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making its nutty flavor worth adding into just about any dish!

Here are a couple of Cleanfoodcrush recipes you can enjoy with chia seeds:

https://cleanfoodcrush.com/grinch-toast/

https://cleanfoodcrush.com/banana-bread-oats/

5. Eggs

If you’re going to save at least one item from your breakfast selection, it’s definitely the eggs.

Eggs are a superfood you’ve always had in your kitchen, and they’re packed with nutrients!

They have nine essential amino acids, are rich in iron, vitamin A, vitamin B12, and protein. Eggs also contain lutein, an antioxidant that’s very important for eye health.

They can also be enjoyed so many ways – broiled, boiled, over a hash, in baked goods, and in frittatas among many others.

Here are a few clean and yummy recipes with eggs:

https://cleanfoodcrush.com/veggie-frittata/

https://cleanfoodcrush.com/fiesta-sweet-potato-hash/

https://cleanfoodcrush.com/ham-n-egg-cups/

6. Kale

This green leafy vegetable is know for being nutritious and versatile.

Kale, like its cousins in the cruciferous family, has an abundance of vitamin K, which our body needs for the prevention of heart disease, bone building, and in promoting faster wound healing.

It also has significant fiber content, iron, calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin C, which all work together to give you more energy, a stronger immune system, and better metabolism.

It is great as a snack food (kale chips) and can be made a primary ingredient of your main dishes too.

Here are some great ideas on how to use kale:

https://cleanfoodcrush.com/lemon-chicken-kale-stir-fry/

https://cleanfoodcrush.com/best-greek-kale-salad-recipe/

https://cleanfoodcrush.com/green-smoothie-packs/

https://cleanfoodcrush.com/build-a-bowl/

https://cleanfoodcrush.com/detox-greek-salad/

7. Lemon

Sour, tangy, and definitely has a signature scent – an absolute must-have on any superfood shopping list!

Let’s start with its list of vitamins and minerals: B vitamins, magnesium, potassium, iron, and calcium among others. It balances your body’s alkalinity, and its high vitamin C content helps you deal with sore throat, fevers, and the common cold virus.

It helps facilitate more efficient digestion and has pectin content that is said to curb your appetite and cravings.

Best way to start including it in your clean diet? Drink it with warm water in the morning, and enjoy it cold throughout the day. You can also use it as an ingredient in these scrumptious dishes:

https://cleanfoodcrush.com/blackberry-spring-salad/

https://cleanfoodcrush.com/turkey-tenderloin/

https://cleanfoodcrush.com/roasted-cabbage-wedges/

https://cleanfoodcrush.com/one-pan-salmon/

https://cleanfoodcrush.com/creamy-chicken-piccata/

“If you’re eating better and exercising more, you’re going to reach that calorie deficit faster than if you were doing either one alone. And I don’t have a single client who doesn’t want their weight loss to happen faster,” – Torey Armul, RD, sports nutritionist, and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Get your kitchen ready for your weight loss journey and successfully be clean eating by making sure you have these superfoods on your shopping list.

These are just but a few though….Do you have a favorite slimming superfood not included in this list? Tell us about it in the comments section below!