The beginning of a new year is a time of renewal and resolutions of self-improvement. Bolstered by the pleasures of life rediscovered over the holiday, we find ourselves recommitting to a life well spent. There is arguably no better time to take matters into your own hands in constructing the life you desire than the start of a new year, and in a nod to that, we have researched 5 healthy food options and cooking suggestions that can transform your physical and psychological well-being in 2024.
Healthy eating has been misrepresented for far too long, with the very mention of the term sometimes conjuring images of dinner tables laden only with flavorless green vegetables. Healthy eating does not need to translate to an absence of all things delicious and pleasant to the taste; rather, think of it as a careful curation of the ingredients that make it into your kitchen and your precious body.
Blueberries
As far as healthy food goes, blueberries are high up on the list with their assortment of nutrients, incredible taste, and low-calorie composition. The nutrient-dense tropical fruit is an antioxidant, protecting the body from the effects of free radicals and slowing down degenerative damage. The fruit, which can be used in pastry, salads, or enjoyed as a snack, is also a great contributor to eye health and has indeed earned the ‘superfood’ badge.
Lentils
Lentils, which are staples of Indian and Middle Eastern diets, are an excellent source of fiber, essential vitamins, and protein. The edible legume seeds can be conveniently cooked as a side in under 30 minutes or used as a salad base. The seeds have anticancer properties and may reduce the risk of heart disease by regulating cholesterol and blood pressure and improving blood sugar levels.
Almonds
If you’ve noticed the emphasis on fiber, proteins, and vitamins in this blog, it’s because they form the bedrock of great nutritional health, and almonds pack a rocking punch of the three-part formula. Almonds are known for being rich in vitamin E which is great for heart health while their anti-inflammatory and blood sugar management properties make them beneficial for people with diabetes.
They can be enjoyed as snacks, salad toppers, dairy substitutes, and in creating indulgent sauces.
Chia seeds
Proof that great things come in small packages, the fibre-high, nutrient-dense seeds can help with everything from digestive health and weight management to bone health. Chia seeds are a very versatile food that can be used in making delicious puddings, as seed toppings for baked goods, for garnishing cereal, blended into smoothies, or added to salads. There are a variety of ways in which chia seeds can be enjoyed and a plethora of health benefits to be derived from adding them to your regular diet.
Sweet Potatoes
The colorful tubers are a powerhouse of dietary goodness. Packed with the benefits of beta carotene, Vitamins A & C, anthocyanins, and fiber, sweet potatoes can boost gut health, improve brain function, fight cancer cells, and even strengthen the immune system.
Sweet potatoes make great sides as roasted or baked potatoes, potato wedges, hash, or mash. They can also be enjoyed as delicious candied desserts or pies.
Although this article focuses on just 5 healthy foods, there are a myriad of healthy superfoods available in various tastes and textures waiting to be discovered and incorporated into your recipes. We’d like to hear which of these foods you’ll be adopting into your diet from now on.
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