Wednesday, April 7, 2010

You Are What You Eat



I am a firm believer that you are what you eat. If you want to look and feel your best it all starts at the dinner table. And the lunch line. And the breakfast nook.

Evidently The Doctors agree with me because they aired the top ten Spring foods for good health on yesterday's episode. Try and work some of these into your diet and consider it your internal Spring cleaning.


1. Dandelion
Dandelions have been used for centuries to treat liver problems. The weed is rich in vitamins A, C and K, as well as beta-carotene and antioxidants. Taking a dandelion supplement can help improve production of bile in the liver. (You could also try dandelion tea).

2. Ginger
Ginger root, a diuretic, helps the kidneys flush toxins from the body.

3. Blueberries
Blueberries are the ultimate brain food. The tiny fruit packs a big punch with the highest concentration of antioxidants per serving among fruits. They also helps boost neuron signals in the brain.

4. Salmon
Omega-3 fatty acids, the unsaturated fats found in salmon and other fatty fish, help reduce the risk of heart disease. The American Heart Association recommends that people eat fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids at least twice a week.

5. Avocado
Avocados are high in vitamins C, B6, E, K, as well as potassium and copper, all of which work wonders for the skin. The fruit helps restore hair’s luster as well. See how to make your own avocado hair mask!

6. Spinach
Spinach is high in the carotenoid lutein, a natural antioxidant that can help protect the eyes from cataracts, macular degeneration and other diseases.

7. Broccoli
Broccoli helps condition hair. The vegetable is high in vitamins A and C, which the body needs to produce sebum, an oily substance secreted by hair follicles to keep it healthy and shiny.

8. Flax Seeds
Flax seeds are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and protein, which help build muscles.

9. JalapeƱos
JalapeƱos contain capsaicin, an active component of chili peppers that has potent antibacterial properties. Capsaicin stimulates secretions that clear mucus from your nose, which relieves nasal congestion and helps fight and prevent sinusitis, or chronic sinus infections. See the sinus buster in action!

10. Celery
Celery is one of the best foods for teeth. The amount of chewing required to break down the crunchy vegetable increases the production of saliva, which helps destroy bacteria that cause plaque.

.

15 comments:

  1. Thanks for the "you are what you eat reminder." My diet is my biggest struggle, but I'm working on it. I made it through Lent without any diet coke, so I'm hoping to make that change permanent. And, I figure, if I can do that, I can make other changes as well.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I am sweet potatoes for breakfast today :)

    Thanks for the spring cleaning list!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I am KALE. E- tell me Kale was #11 and Im not ingesting this stuff for no good reason.

    I am confused about the dandelion issue.

    Can I just eat the ones in my yard?

    ReplyDelete
  4. why does this thing always erase my comments?

    okay, starting again.

    where is KALE? dont tell me im eating this stuff for nothing.

    also, confused about the dandelion issue. can i just eat the ones in my yard?

    ReplyDelete
  5. Tune in tomorrow G for another tasty Kale treat. Kale is STILL a SUPER DUPER food. This was just "the Doctors" spring list, I promise, promise, promise, that kale is very, very, very good for you. Keep eating it. Or drinking it. Or whatever.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Cousie I am totally screwed. This means that I am a french fry b/c I have had french fries each and every day since Lulu was born. The problem is, that I am okay with it and don't plan on stopping....

    ReplyDelete
  7. I love cayenne and capsaicin. Helps my sinus and allergy problems by clearing out my nose.Although ya have to have a tissue or it is a pretty gross sight! Just saw Sinus Buster featured on "the doctors" this past Monday and I am going to pick up a bottle!

    ReplyDelete
  8. cousie, it's okay b/c you are still breast feeding. i ate choc chip cookies like they were going out of style whle nursing the twins, and for some time after. you will get there. when you have a newborn it's not really feasible to make sweeping life/health changes. baby steps (pun intended).

    see you and lulu and coop tomorrow :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Amy - don't worry, I am definitely a large block of cheese ;-) I do eat many of the things on the list, but I still think I am primarily cheese. Let's face it, for years, I've been saying that I would eat my flip flop if it had melted cheese on top.

    I like the list though - I will have to experiment with dandelion. But I second G's question - can I just go pick those from the yard/park, or do I need to find it in the store?

    ReplyDelete
  10. i really don't know much about the dandelion but i do know they make dandelion tea. so there's that. that's about all i know. and my yard is covered with FEET of snow still so, well, i can't just pick 'em :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. I'm good on 7 out of 10 - although I'm optimistic about #1 since I just saw a stinkin' big dandelion growing next to my driveway this morning when I was trying to take "nice" spring photos for my blog.

    Not so good on flax seed.

    Not so good on jalapenos.

    And I have to say, all these doctors keep telling us to eat Salmon and all the environmentalists keep telling us it's overfished and the farm salmon isn't as good for us if good for us AT ALL, and I find it very confusing.

    If we all eat fish 3 x per week, all the yummy fish will definitely be overfished and then where will we be?

    Sigh. Okay 7 out of 10 is 70% which in our school district is still average. If I can eat the dandelion in the front yard I can move up to above average, if not excellent. I can live with that!

    ReplyDelete
  12. YAY!!! 2-8 & 10 are regulars in our diet. But so are these:

    #20 Chocolate
    #28 Peanut Butter

    Erin, thanks for the tips the other day on getting ample calories earlier in day to help curb late afternoon overeating/bad snacking. \

    ReplyDelete
  13. SLM: farmed salmon is scary. they actually inject it with dye so that it looks pink like salmon is supposed to look b/c farmed salmon is actually grey. gross.

    LWL: I like #20 and #28 too :)

    Progress ladies ... progress. Not perfection.

    ReplyDelete