5 Ways to Add more Nutrients to your Diet

5 Ways To Add More Nutrients To Your Diet

What if I told you that food choices don’t have to be hard? Well, they don’t! We’re letting you in on a few of our tricks to stay happy and healthy. It’s no joke that sometimes what we’re putting into our bodies can be a bit overwhelming. We are here to tell you that with a stop to the vegetable section of the grocery store and a few extra chops and sprinkles, it’s actually not as hard as we think it is to get the vitamins and minerals that our bodies need. Here’s how: 

Add Seeds and Nuts 

• Chia seeds go well in smoothies or even just into your water bottle 
• sunflower seeds, pumpkins seeds, flax seeds, and sesame seeds are perfect to add to salads, avocado toast, yogurts, oatmeal

Think GBOMB’s

We can all appreciate a good acronym, right? This one is from Joel Fuhrman 

• Greens: You can never go wrong with greens. They are the most nutrient-dense food of all: Kale, spinach, cabbage, broccoli. I like to shoot for having something green on my plate at every meal! 
• Beans: They are a great source of plant-based protein. They are high in fiber and good for the heart.
• Onions: Many people have a love/hate relationship with onions. But, you’re in luck! It doesn’t have to be just onions that hand over all of the benefits. Garlic, chives, shallots, and scallions are all members of the onion family. Next time you make sweet potato fries, try mincing some garlic and adding a tablespoon of olive oil. 
• Mushrooms: They help with iron absorption, they’re good immune boosters and they’re the best when they’re sauteed with onions and peppers! Mix in some quinoa and you’re set! 
• Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries are all rich in antioxidants, offering benefits for the heart and immune system.
• Seeds: As we mentioned above, seeds are super convenient to mix in with dishes you’re already making! They are a good added source of protein and healthy fats. 

Incorporate Fresh Herbs

• Basil: Adding Fresh Basil to your salads just might change your life forever! You can also make your own pesto to add to your pasta. Fun fact: basil is known to reduce anxiety and stress! If you’re like me and struggle to drink as much water as you should in a day, put a basil leaf in your water bottle with a few slices of a strawberry!
• Oregano: Similar to basil, you can add this to salads for a little extra taste. It is delicious on any Italian style food and great for poultry and vegetables! Try it on your summer or spaghetti squash! 
• Thyme: I think I use thyme for almost everything! It’s delicious on potatoes and vegetables. If you’re a chicken person, lemon juice and thyme is a dynamic duo whether you put it in the oven, on the grill, or in an instant pot!
• Cilantro: A perfect addition to tacos, or mixed up in your guacamole!

Superfood Powders

• If you’re often on the go, these might be great for you! Here at the Pilates Barre Studio, we love the brand Your SuperFoods. Their powders are certified organic, non- GMO, plant based, superfoods! They can be added to smoothies, salads, protein balls, oatmeal, you name it! You can find them here: https://yoursuper.com/collections/your-superfoods

Find Easy Swaps

• If you are all about the fry life, try swapping regular potato fries for sweet potato fries. 
• Big pasta buff? Keep your pasta noodles, but invite some zucchini or sweet potato noodles to the party too! You can also add in mushrooms, peppers, or tomatoes if you’re feeling it! 
• If you feel like you can’t have your coffee without creamer, try out the almond milk based creamer instead of half-n-half.
• Are you constantly making dinner on the go and need frozen or canned vegetables? Buy organic and be sure that there is no sodium added! 

Try some additions, find what you like, make eating nutritious food simple! Let us know your favorite!

In Strength and Confidence,

Harley

The Pilates Barre Studio