There are many different diets and lifestyles out there. Some people are vegetarian, some vegan, some practically carnivorous. Some of us are allergic to dairy, to gluten (some of us are just avoiding it because we think it’s healthy to do so); some of us don’t like Brussel sprouts. So what’s a person to eat, if they want to be healthy?
#1. Beans
Beans are an excellent source of protein, and they’ve never been attached to an animal, making them perfect for vegans and vegetarians. They are cheap, filling, and can be made into just about anything! They make you feel full for longer, which can stop you from eating too much or, if you aren’t a rich white woman, can help you make your slim budget go further. If you must know, beans make you feel full for longer because they are high in fibre and are slow to digest.
#2. Pureed Vegetables
Purees. They aren’t just for infants and people so old they’ve lost their teeth anymore. In fact, they are being looked into as a way to bulk out a dish without adding an enormous amount of calories to it. Adding pureed cauliflower and zucchini to macaroni and cheese bulks it out substantially, but reduces the amount of calories one eats, and it doesn’t taste too bad either.
#3. Nuts
Nuts are an amazing source of protein, fibre and essential fats, making them another great food choice for those of us who can’t eat the animal meat. Additionally, a portion of unsalted nuts makes for a great snack that also provides many nutrients and vitamins. Different nuts have different benefits, and here are a few:
· Almonds: high in calcium and vitamin E, to improve your bones and the condition of your skin
· Brazil nuts: a source of selenium, which is needed to make the active thyroid hormone, making this a great food for those with thyroid disorders
· Cashews: my personal favourite, and on top of that they are a great source of protein, iron, zinc and magnesium. They’re great in a stir fry.
#4. Grapefruit
If you’re trying to lose weight, grapefruit is an excellent way to shed the pounds (or kilograms, if you prefer). Eat half a grapefruit before each meal, and you’ll see the weight just walking away, which is weird because grapefruit doesn’t have any fat-burning properties. Instead, it just makes you feel full!
Be careful though; you can’t have grapefruit if you are on certain medications, as it can cause some fairly serious side effects. So just check the labels on your meds, ask your pharmacist, or just Google the damn thing.
#5. Whole-grain cereal
Eating a bowl of whole-grain cereal for breakfast not only gives you all the benefits of the grains contained within the cereal, but also helps your body control its weight better than those who skip breakfast. Of course, there is more to life than weight, but health is another thing all together. So skip the sugar and instead top your cereal with some fruit and some yoghurt, and you’re good to go!