5 Daily Must-Have's In Your Diet

Food gives us energy and it's what makes us able to perform everyday tasks from walking, breathing, cooking, and even moving your mouse on your computer right now... so literally everything. Without food, we are nothing. And that old saying, I'm sure we all heard a million times as a kid, "you are what you eat" is true. Your body is made up of whatever energy you put into it. So if you eat a lot of processed foods that are high in saturated fat and added sugar... guess what? That's what you are replenishing your body stores with... If you eat lots of lean proteins, whole grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables, then you are fueling those stores and providing your body with good, wholesome foods that are packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber, phytochemicals, and antioxidants. All of which are vital for good health and nutrition!

Too many people think it' too challenging to reach all of the daily requirements our bodies need, but it's really not. However, it does take a little planning and discipline... And that means more than just remembering to take supplements. While supplements aren't bad... they are exactly what they mean... SUPPLEMENTAL! Meaning this is not where ALL of your micronutrients should be coming from. So, no, you aren't "healthy" just because you take supplements and think it makes up for eating junk foods. Many of them are synthetically made, so you aren't giving your body all the benefits it would be getting if you consumed those nutrients through your food. Also, all the money you spend on supplements is literally "wasted." When you take a supplement, your body does NOT absorb it all, so whatever isn't used is excreted, which a lot of times is half or less than half of the amount that's in the supplement. 

Keep in mind... that is all being said for a person is does not have any conditions and is just being lazy about not eating properly. If you have a medical condition and your body does not absorb certain nutrients properly or does not produce certain nutrients, then supplements may be necessary, along with proper nutrition! 

So if you find yourself kidna lazy, or you just don't know what foods you should be eating to help get all these wonderful nutrients in... here are my top 5 choices of foods that are going to provide a good balance on a daily basis. Keep in mind, it's important to have lots of variety in your diet, but you can't go wrong with these foods:
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1. Blueberries - packed with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Great protector against heart disease and cancer! So many ways to eat them too... plain, in yogurt, on pancakes, in cereal, in salads... Not to mention it's a superfood! 

2. Yogurt - Greek yogurt preferably. It's packed with protein and lots of beneficial bacteria (probiotics) that are good for your digestive tract. Also, a great source of calcium! 

3. Oats - They can be used in so many ways and they are a great source of whole grains and fiber! They make for a great breakfast and you can even add those blueberries to them! 

4. Broccoli - I know, I know... Everyone's favorite! Broccoli offers so many vitamins and minerals and has lots of cancer fighting properties... These come from sulfur compounds, which is what causes it to smell while cooking. 

5. Nuts - Nuts like almonds and walnuts provide lots of protein and healthy fats. They make for a great snack that will help keep you full and give you lots of energy! 

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