With increased awareness of proper nutrition, many people are acknowledging the need for a change in their diet. Proper nutrition can stave off a litany of diseases and even mental health-problems such as addiction, depression and anxiety. Many rehab centers recognize the importance of proper nutrition in recovering from addiction, but what if you implemented a healthy diet early-on? Included here are a few of the most nutrient-rich foods to add to your diet.
Salmon
Many doctors are now realizing that maintaining a healthy weight is less dependent on calorie-counting and more dependent on nutrient-counting. Foods that are nutrient-dense, even with more calories, are far better for you than a zero-calorie soda. Part of the reason for this lies in the benefits of whole foods.
Whole foods are foods that are minimally processed and closest to their natural form. Salmon is one incredible nutrient-dense food, even if it has a reputation as a “fatty” fish. Salmon offers the greatest source of omega-3 fatty acids which can help prevent countless diseases. Wild salmon is preferable to farmed and should be consumed once or twice per week.
Kale
Ah yes, the famously unpopular leafy greens. While parents have been struggling to get their children to consume their veggies for decades, studies are showing that this valuable vegetable should hold a prominent place on the plate. Kale is a veritable super-food, with vitamins, minerals, bioactive compounds and antioxidants.
While kale is best consumed raw, some people cannot get past the slightly bitter taste. To improve the taste, trim out the largest stems of the kale and place pieces on a cookie sheet. Add a drizzle of olive oil and sprinkle of sea salt and roast at 400℉ for less than 5 minutes. You will then be able to enjoy a crunchy kale chip that is flavorful and still healthy.
Potatoes
While many people may think that is a typo, it is not, potatoes really are a nutrient-dense powerhouse. The problem with potatoes is many people consume them heavily processed and fried, where their nutrients are cooked out and the skin is removed. Remember, whole foods are best consumed in a minimally processed, “whole” form, including the skin.
Potatoes are a nutrient-dense, carb-rich food, that many dieting individuals, unfortunately, steer clear of. Potatoes are full of vitamins and minerals and have a very high satiety value, meaning they keep you full for a long time. To preserve the health benefits of potatoes, consume them roasted or baked and avoid coating them in butter or sour cream.
Egg Yolks
Another food that has been demonized by the fad-diet industry is the egg. Eggs have gotten a bad rap due to their high cholesterol, but health experts have recently realized high-cholesterol in the diet does not necessarily raise bad levels of cholesterol in the blood. The best part of the egg is the yolk, which is loaded with vitamins, minerals and other nutrients.