Add these foods to your shopping list for a healthy start to 2018!
I love avocado oil. Like avocados, avocado oil has monounsaturated and oleic fatty acids, which can help fight abdominal fat. This oil is made out of the avocado fruit, not the seed, which is very high in beneficial fats. Avocado oil has been shown to be heart healthy—besides healthy fats, avocado oil also contains inflammation-fighting antioxidants, which most people do not consume enough of. It takes 15 avocados to make one bottle of avocado oil.
If you want to add more nutritional power to your shakes and smoothies, moringa powder is a great option. Moringa powder comes from a tree that’s native to Africa and Asia. The leaves are dried and then they are ground to make a powder. It’s rich in vitamin C, calcium, vitamin A, potassium, and protein. People are comparing it to turmeric because it has so many health benefits. It’s packed with antioxidants, it’s a powerful inflammation fighter, and animal studies show that it lowers blood sugar levels.
Harissa is so delicious. It comes from Tunisia—the ingredients vary from recipe to recipe, but it commonly contains smoked chiles, garlic, cumin, caraway seeds, coriander, and red peppers … and it contains NO SUGAR and almost no carbs (so it’s a way better option than standard ketchup). The heat in harissa revs up your metabolism, helping you burn off more calories. And it’s filled with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant nutrients, too.
I am always light on beans, but when I do have them—I just love Adzuki beans. 1 cup of Adzuki beans gives you 17 grams of protein (which is a third of the protein a woman needs each day). Adzuki beans are very high in fiber, which is why some people call them the “weight loss bean.” They’re rich in iron, potassium, and B vitamins as well... and they have 29 different phytonutrients that help keep you healthy.
Oat milk is the new "hot" non-dairy option... I tend to steer my readers away from all grains and oats, but Oat milk is a huge trend in Europe right now. It’s a really flavorful alternative to other milks... it has a little of that oat flavor in it, and it tastes “grassy” in a good way. It’s an excellent nut-free alternative for people who can’t tolerate almond milk, and it’s easy to make at home so it’s convenient. It’s also rich in fiber and beta-glucans that are good for your cholesterol. In addition, commercial oat milk is typically enriched with calcium, vitamin D, and other vitamins.
