The Secret Ingredients Your Healthy Dinner is Missing

How to Make Your Healthy Meals Even Healthier

It’s not news anymore and a lot of the old rules of healthy eating are being talked about now more than ever. Watch the fat and sodium, cut down on the processed sugar, get your greens and stick to fresh lean meats for protein.

But there’s a lot more to healthy eating than just that – or there can be, if you know what to look for at the grocery store.

Today we’re looking at 10 ingredients nutritionists consider the secret to really boosting your body’s ability to be more efficient burning fat and recovering from your workouts. Some of the items on this list are considered superfoods because of their high nutrient content, while others not only enhance the health value of your meal but also the flavor.

10 Health Foods to Add to Your Grocery List

Chia Seeds

The first item on this list has been a popular superfood for a while, but it goes way beyond smoothies and protein shakes for its many uses. Try adding chia seeds to your salad, mix them into a creamy sauce, or bake them into loaves and breads for an extra dose of omega-3. I like these ones as they’re ogranic and low on the price side – Nutiva Organic Chia Seeds.

Kale

If you’re going to buy a leafy green for its health benefits, kale should be your first pick. In terms of superfoods, this is one of the best. Not only does it high in a number of vitamins, it also contains natural compounds that are thought to fight the oxidative stress on your cells which is the precursor to cancer. Use it in salads and smoothies, steam it for a healthy side, or make crispy kale chips.

Goji Berries

Another great salad topper, goji berries are jam-packed with antioxidants, amino acids, and other phytonutrients to support an active and healthy lifestyle. They’re also great to snack on.

Cacao Powder

This is chocolate in its raw form, and this stuff is incredibly high in antioxidants and magnesium to support your health and energy. Use it in a smoothie, or make some smart baking decisions.

Pea, Quinoa & Hemp Protein

If you’re looking for a protein alternative that’s healthier than your same old whey protein, go with a blend of pea, quinoa and hemp protein. They’re vegetable-based and the mixture provides all the amino acids your muscles need to for recovery.  The best in class is Gardenia All Natural Vegan Protein.

Maca

This is the powder you may not have heard of, but in terms of energy, this one probably tops the list. It’s been used for thousands of years in Central America, and is known to help with energy and sexual health for men and women. This one is the top-seller in the industry – NOW Maca.

Wheatgrass

Wheatgrass has it all when it comes to nutritional value – fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, amino acids, and even healthy fats. You can blend it into a smoothie, use it as a salad topper, or start adding it to your stir-fry mix.

Avocados

High in Vitamin E and packed full of protein, avocados are one thing you need to start adding to your salads. But don’t stop there – they’re great with eggs, soups and chili, or even just as a side.

Ginger

You’re probably already cooking with a lot of garlic and onions, which are totally healthy on their own. But the other ingredient you should be adding to the mix is fresh ginger root. It’s packed with flavor and can add a lot to your stir fry, veggie dishes, and even as a meat rub.

Coconut Oil

My last ingredient on this list is another popular one, but it’s way more than just a smoothie ingredient. If you’re not cooking and baking with coconut oil yet, you’re definitely missing out. The flavor you get with this stuff is great, and the health benefits are clear with one of the most unique metabolism-boosting fats. Love this one because it’s pure and organic with no additives – Nutiva Organic Extra-Virgin Coconut Oil.

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