Popeye certainly had the right idea when he downed a can of spinach to get the energy he needed to fight the latest bruiser in his way. Spinach is low in calories but high in fiber, water, and iron, all things that keep you feeling energized and full, so you’ll eat less junk and burn more fat. While it won’t swell your muscles instantly, it’s a wonderful health food.
You’ll also get zinc, vitamins A and K, and a nice crunch. Early reports of its nutritional content may have been overblown, but there’s no reason to avoid this leafy food.
Bright Red Means Healthy
You've almost certainly eaten this bright red “fruit” in the past week – it's one of the plants that almost every diet has a place for. This juicy and tasty veggie has lots of antioxidants, as well as vitamin C and lycopene, and antioxidants that prevent and reduce cell damage.
By eating a daily dose of tomatoes, you'll be helping to reduce cancer rates, lower cholesterol, and reduce your chances of heart disease. If you've been getting burgers or salads sans tomatoes, it might be in your best interest to switch it up. Surely good health is worth it.
The Heart of Health
If you're looking for the right foods to eat to make your entire body healthy, artichokes are the way to go. They come with the prerequisite nutrients, they lower bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol, they regulate blood pressure, and they improve digestive health.
You get the picture. It's the kind of veggie you sometimes can't bring yourself to eat. But eating shouldn't always be about the way food tastes. Sometimes – a lot of the time – what you eat should focus on the health and materials of the food, not just the flavor.
Keeps Vampires Away, Too
Experienced chefs already know the wonders of adding a touch of garlic to their dishes, but did you know this low-cal food is packed full of nutrients? It has tons of vitamin B6 (great for brain and liver function, body growth, blood cells, and plenty more) and our old friend vitamin C. It also gives you calcium, iron, phosphorus, and manganese.
With enough garlic, you'll not only get these important things, but you may see your skin starting to look better and your immune system working better. Too much may make you turn up your nose, but a dash is usually just right.
Ewe Won't Believe Your Eyes
Looking for meat that's packed full of nutrients, but you're tired of chicken and turkey? Head down to the butcher to pick up some lamb, which is a rich source of high-quality protein and a large number of vitamins and minerals, including iron, zinc, and vitamin B12 (good for the body's nerves and blood cells, as well as DNA).
Lamb also provides phosphorus, which is essential to the body's growth and maintenance. If you want to keep your metabolism going strong, this meat should make its way to your plate. Just watch those portions – too much, and your metabolism won't be able to keep up.