If you are like most people, the holiday season leaves you feeling stressed and worn out. That’s why at Mint Condition Fitness we believe January needs to be a time for rejuvenation for your mind and body.
One of the best things you can do to help feel energized and rejuvenated is to focus on your diet.
We all know eating certain foods can help with weight loss, however eating right can really help to enhance your vigor and vitality!
Eating certain nutrient-rich "superfoods" can make you feel energized, look younger, and can enhance brain power and productivity.
Your body thrives on:
- Good Fats
- Antioxidants
- Vitamins
- Minerals
- Sugar (a little!)
The key is to find foods that naturally have these things. While taking a multivitamin or an antioxidant supplement can help, you still need to use your food as your medicine as much as possible.
What can you eat to feel rejuvenated?
Here are the top 10 foods that you should be including in your diet DAILY to boost your brain and start thinking and feeling better:
Berries have high levels of phytochemicals – natural nutrients protecting our cells from damage. Berries keep you mentally sharp while boosting heart health and leave us feeling full, which can help with weight control. They are packed with antioxidants and are full of nutrients our bodies can benefit from in all aspects.
The avocado is high in healthy fats. Because of this, the nutrient value is high. It is full of vitamin K, folate, vitamin C, potassium, and other vitamins. It contains more potassium than a banana and is loaded with heart-healthy monounsaturated fatty acids. Avocados can also help your body absorb the nutrients in plant foods!
This fish is packed with omega-3 fatty acids and high amounts of protein, giving your body several health benefits. It is a heart-healthy food – full of different types of fats that can reduce the risk of heart disease. It can also lower the risk of diabetes by helping control the blood sugar levels in diabetics.
Eggs are a well-balanced snack for our bodies. They are loaded with nutrients in all areas. Eggs raise HDL, which is commonly known as the “good” cholesterol. Eggs have the nutrients to help heart health and even eye health. They are a quality protein source and contain amino acids in the right ratios that our bodies need.
Dark chocolate is made from the seed of the cocoa tree – which in turn makes it an incredible source of antioxidants. Dark chocolate can also help improve blood flow and lower blood pressure. Believe it or not, it might also be great for your skin by improving blood flow and increasing hydration.
Green tea is full of catechin. These are antioxidants that fight and might even prevent cell damage. Green tea is not as processed as other drinks out there, giving your body improved blood flow and lower cholesterol. Green tea has a range of nutrients preventing heart-related issues.
Walnuts provide more than the daily-recommended value of plant-based omega-3 fats. This can decrease the risk of certain types of cancer, including prostate and breast cancer. They are full of antioxidants and can help with weight control as well as support brain health.
Garlic has been known to treat a variety of medical problems. It is high in a sulfur compound and is very nutritious with little calories. It’s known to boost our immune system, helping us fight off illnesses like the common cold. It’s also good for detoxing heavy metals in our bodies. HERE is one recipe with garlic included!
9. Dark Leafy Greens (Kale/Chard/Spinach)
These greens are full of folate which is the B vitamin. Our bodies cannot produce this on their own, so we have to find it in foods. Greens also help burn fat while they give us an anti-aging preventive of cognitive decline. They are also good for your skin – essentially providing UV protection at the cellular level. A kale salad is a perfect way to get in your greens!
Chia seeds are great for your skin and aging. They are full of antioxidants that speed up the skin's repair systems. They're also good for digestive health by being full of fiber. They can give you a boost of energy and your metabolism a kick without consuming as much sugar as other substances.
Where to start?
If you want to start incorporating these into your meals, I recommend just picking ONE that fits easily into your current diet. For example, if you have salads for lunch each day, start adding avocado.
Once you make this a habit, add another that fits in easily. The point is not to overhaul...it is to tweak.
And if you need some extra support as you work to get your mind and body back on track after the new year, I would like to invite you to join us for our ONE WEEK TRIAL!
This program includes everything you need to get moving the right direction:
- Comprehensive phone consultation
- Personalized exercise program
- Two one-on-one personal training sessions
- Two metabolic group training sessions
- A fun environment you actually want to come back to!
If you would like to learn more, call us at (408) 370-1739 or follow this link:
Have a question? Please post your questions on our Facebook Page.
Photo by: Jonathan Colon