Getting in shape isn’t as easy as calories in, calories out, despite what you may have heard. The type of calories you get matters, meaning that the foods you eat have huge implications on your ability to lose weight and build muscle, as well as establishing heart health, proper digestive function, and other aspects of what we call “total health.”
Whether you’re interested in signing on to a corporate wellness program or are just looking for a few ways to improve your personal health and fitness, here are some of the best foods you should consider adding to your diet:
1. Blueberries, Cranberries, and Blackberries (Among Others)
Research has found that in order to keep your body healthy, you need antioxidants, disease-preventing compounds that help protect against cancer, heart disease, and other conditions that become more common over time.
Berries are packed with antioxidants, which is why they should be plentiful in your diet.
2. Whole Grain Bread and Cereal
If you’re planning on doing a workout, a long run, or anything that burns a lot of calories, you need to make sure you have the energy to do so. That means consuming carbohydrates, but the type of carbs you eat matters.
Foods like whole wheat bread and bran cereal contain the types of carbs that will sustain your ability to exercise over time, and as a bonus, they contain fiber to support digestive health!
3. Salmon and Fish
When looking for a source of protein, you can’t get much better than salmon. With Omega-3s to support heart health and a larger-than-average dose of amino acids to help muscle development, making a habit of eating salmon can positively impact your overall health and fitness.
4. Beans and Nuts
Whether you stick to a vegetarian diet or you’re just looking to mix up your protein sources, beans and nuts offer lots of options for a variety of protein-rich meals.
Black beans are versatile, used in burgers, fillings, and on their own on the side. Chickpeas can be used in hummus, salads, and other dishes.
5. Avocados
While fatty foods were once thought of as something to avoid, we’ve since realized that foods high in unsaturated fats are essential in our diet.
Avocados are unique because they average around a 77 percent fat content — it’s what’s responsible for the creamy texture of the fruit itself.
6. Leafy Greens
Spinach, kale, and other greens are packed with Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, and other minerals and vitamins that support numerous systems in the body. If you’re not a salad eater, you can use leafy greens in smoothies or juice them to get a daily vitamin boost that makes you feel great!
Use Food to Make Fitness a Lifestyle
Now that you know that fitness and health are more than just exercise and weight loss, does it make you think differently about some ways you can improve your lifestyle?
At Kennedy Fitness, the nutritional counseling we offer isn’t the only reason why we have one of the most trusted corporate wellness programs in South Jersey, but it’s definitely crucial to know what you should put in your body for the good of your overall health.