Question:  How can I have a more nutritious lifestyle this year?

Answer: A great intention! How about focusing on one nutrient dense food each month? Decide to eat that food a couple of times each week for the entire month, finding new recipes, or new ways of incorporating it into your daily routine. This will build a habit, and more than likely it will continue. Here are 12 suggestions for foods that will help you to feel and look your best:

12 Power Foods For Health

1. Apples: High in quercetin; protects the heart; prevents constipation; blocks diarrhea; improves lung capacity; cushions joints.

2. Avocadoes: Excellent source of unsaturated essential fatty acids; battles diabetes; lowers cholesterol; helps stop strokes; controls blood pressure; smoothes skin.

3. Beets: Wonderful liver cleanser; controls blood pressure; combats cancer; strengthens bones; protects your heart; aids weight loss.

4. Blueberries: Great source of anthocyanadins; combats cancer; protects your heart; stabilizes blood sugar; boosts memory; prevents constipation.

5. Broccoli: Loaded with sulforafane; strengthens bones; saves eyesight; combats cancer; protects your heart; controls blood pressure.

6. Carrots: High in vitamin A; saves eyesight; protects your heart; prevents constipation; combats cancer; promotes weight loss.

7. Fresh Ground Flax: Excellent source of fiber; lowers cholesterol; relieves constipation; aids digestion; battles diabetes; protects your heart; improves mental health; boosts immune system.

8. Garlic: Natural antibiotic; lowers cholesterol; controls blood pressure; combats cancer; kills bacteria; fights fungus.

9. Oats: Good source of fiber; lowers cholesterol; combats cancer; battles diabetes; prevents constipation; smoothes skin.

10. Onions: High in sulphur; reduces risk of heart attack; combats cancer; kills bacteria, lowers cholesterol; fights fungus.

11. Sweet potatoes: High in vitamin A; saves eyesight; lifts mood; combats cancer; strengthens bones.

12. Tomatoes: High in lycopene; protects prostate; combats cancer; lowers cholesterol; protects heart (from Eat Away Illness by Paulette Millis).

“Replace don’t deprive” is my philosophy for improving your diet. As you develop new recipes, habits, and enjoyment of different foods, some of the less desirable choices are naturally left out! Try the great Shepherd’s Pie recipe below, made with sweet potatoes! 

Paulette Millis