Eat a Variety of Foods for a Healthy Body
Posted on February 13th, 2007 by garyPosted in Nutrition
Most Americans are eating an abundance of processed foods and are not getting enough fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts or seeds. This leads to some sort of nutrient deficiency. A recent National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey revealed Americans have high deficiencies in vitamins E, C, D and A as well as potassium, magnesium, and selenium.
Consumers tend to limit ourselves to a narrow range of foods. Our unwillingness to branch out and try new things can affect our health. When we eat a wide variety of fresh, colorful even sometimes raw foods, we get a wider array of antioxidants and essential enzymes for digestion and better health. A diet with lots of variety provides more necessary nutrients like vitamins, minerals, amino acids and fatty acids.
Most of us find ourselves always filling our grocery carts with the same items. When it comes to fruit there is more beyond the staple oranges-apples-bananas routine. Try kiwi or star fruit which are both great sources of vitamin C. If you just love apples then instead of just always eating Red Delicious ones try another kind. Try eating seasonal fruit while it is fresh and you can enjoy it at its nutritional peak.
Many Americans eat a lot of wheat several times a day. We can try some alternatives like foods made with other whole grains like kashi, quinoa and oats. This will provide a larger range of B vitamins and essential minerals and proteins. Rice cakes or rice chips give the body soluble fiber and B vitamins. Miller and Buckwheat are both high in magnesium content as well as other nutrients. Many of us have never even tried these items and once we do we may prefer their taste.
When it comes to buying produce you can try to branch out from the typical shopping items like Idaho potatoes, baby carrots and iceberg lettuce. As a potato alternative try root vegetables like turnips or rutabagas. Both are rich in vitamins C, A and K. Try using kale lettuce or other dark greens for your salad. They are excellent sources of vitamin A & C. Broccoli and asparagus not only are rich in vitamins they are also sources of folic acid.
Add some variety to your diet. It is okay to start out small. Try something new each week.
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