I am really big on healthy, clean eating. It is something that helps you in the long term. Eating well not only improves your mood, but there are other benefits as well. Eating clean can help clear skin, digestive problems, and bloating. For me, I follow a plant-based diet, so lots of fruits and vegetables are key. Some things I like to include are superfoods into my diet. But first, what are “superfoods” exactly? Superfoods are nutrient-rich foods, mainly coming from plants. Examples are berries, dark leafy greens, chia seeds, and salmon. With that being said, let’s get into how you can incorporate them into your diet!
For Breakfast:
Some of my best recipes that I usually make are:
- Smoothie/Smoothie bowl
- Overnight Oats
- Chia Seed Pudding
- Mexican Breakfast Bowl
Smoothie/Bowl:
You can use:
- Berries
- Spinach
- Chia Seeds
- Kale
- Hemp Hearts
- Nuts and Seeds
For breakfast, I like to make a smoothie with frozen berries or bananas, chia seeds, and spinach. You can make this into a smoothie bowl if you like by using frozen fruit as the base to make a smoothie bowl, too. Just pour it into a bowl and add the toppings on top instead of in the blender.
Chia Seeds Pudding and Overnight Oats:
Same with the chia seeds and overnight oats: cook the base with either water or plant milk and add in the chia seeds or oats (depending on which recipe you make). Then store overnight. The next morning add in fruit, granola, and nuts.
For Lunch:
Recipe Ideas:
- Mexican Bowl (same from breakfast recipe)
- Protein with rice and greens
Mexican Bowl:
Start by having a base of rice and greens on the side. Use a mixture of beans, legumes, tomatoes, and potatoes as your main course items. Serve with salsa. You can include an egg on top, if you like. Add avocado too for extra healthy fats.
Protein With Rice and Greens:
Lunch is simple because you can add in dark, leafy greens into anything. Start by having a side of rice and greens. You can change up the protein each time, whether that be salmon, chicken, tofu, or plant-based meats.
For Dinner:
Recipe Ideas:
- Protein pasta
- “Meat Lovers” Pizza
Pasta:
For this pasta recipe you can find some pasta that is made with legumes or lentils at stores, so cook according to box directions. Then add in your favorite sauce once done cooking and add your favorite green to finish.
“Meat Lovers Pizza:
For this recipe you can either buy crust or make your own. Once you have the crust done, add on your favorite sauce. The toppings are the important part. You can add on some sprouts, mushrooms, vegan/veggie meat alternatives, avocado, or bell peppers. Options are endless. Cook and enjoy!
I hope these recipes inspire you to add superfoods to your diet, and everyday life! Making these lifestyle changes will not only improve your mood, but your health as well. Start slowly. This way you can make a gradual shift into eating superfoods and better eating in general. Try it out, you might be surprised by how good you feel!
