I will start of with one of my all time breakfast favourites.... OATMEAL
I use Gluten Free Oats ( I am coeliac; allergic to gluten) at least once every day. They are a great carb source that contains lot of fibre, keeping you fuller for longer.
They also posses a hormone for appetite control (peptide Y-Y) which will also make you feel fuller for longer.
They are thought to reduce the chance of type 2 diabetes and improve insulin sensitivity.
They can lower bad cholesterol levels and control blood pressure.
They contain lignans which protect against cancer and heart disease.
I often eat Almonds (flaked, chopped, whole) along with my oatmeal or as a tasty quick snack. Almonds also have a lot of the same benefits as oats; They can lower bad cholesterol levels and control blood pressure, reduce risk of heart attack etc. However they also help to build strong healthy teeth and bones, provide healthy fats (also essential for fat loss), help maintain brain function and nourish the nervous system.
With my breakfast I also have greek yogurt. I eat A LOT of this during the day, and I mean a lot!
Firstly, it is a good source of protein, yes it also contains carbs but it depends on what brand you use. I use Total Fage which is actually fairly low carb compared to protein.
Due to it being a low carb yogurt, it contains less lactose than most dairy making it easy to digest; especially for people that have sensitive stomachs like myself.
As with other yogurt, it contains probiotics to improve digestive and immune system functioning.
It is no secret that I loveeeee berries! Blueberries and raspberries mainly but I also enjoy others such as strawberries. I eat blueberries and raspberries everyday; morning, night and snacks in between.
They have the highest antioxidant value of all fruit; improving your immune system.
They help promote urinary tract health (gross but important!)
They help preserve our vision and eye health, as well as brain health. All due to the vitamins and minerals they posses.
Moving onto veggies; I LOVE my veg and eat a lot of it. I don't even know where to begin with my favourite veg but one that has always been a favourite since I was a baby is broccoli!
Broccoli contains glucoraphanin, which the body processes into the anti-cancer compound.
It reduces bad cholesterol and the risk of allergy reactions.
It is also a powerful antioxidant and promotes bone and heart health.
It is high in fibre, promoting digestion and also has a higher protein value than many other veg.
Another favourite of mine is avocado. Again, I eat this basically everyday. It is a great, healthy, quick fat source. Avocado contains vitamin B6 and folic acid, which help regulate homocysteine levels. These levels must remain low in order to promote a healthy heart.
They lower cholesterol levels, control blood pressure, and have anti-inflammatory properties.
Avocados also prevent birth defects due to folate and reduce risk of stroke, cancer and many other disease.
An interesting one is that they have anti-aging properties, which also promotes a healthy nervous system.
As I said these are just a few of my favourite foods that I eat everyday but I hope it gives you an insight into how food can be a great medicine for our bodies.
xx