7 Super Foods You Should Be Eating Now

Super foods you should be eating nowGrowing up, I always loved my mom's cooking. I grew up eating vegetarian and had pretty much all home cooked meals. Not only did that teach me the love of awesome food and how to cook it, it set me up for a healthier adulthood.

Today, the majority of my family's meals are cooked from home. We eat out maybe once a month and because of our dietary restrictions (gluten- and casein-free), we are limited so our choices are not as bad as they could be. Ultimately, I try to cook well balanced meals that are quick and easy.

I want more bang for my buck (as they say) so I try to choose ingredients that will give me that. I rely a lot on the super-foods - defined as whole foods that have not been refined, processed or preserved and are very close to their original source. These foods are nutrient dense, providing the body with essential fats, vitamins, minerals, lean proteins and iron.

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Check out these 7 super-foods you should be eating now:




Blueberries
1. Blueberries
Easy to eat on the go and can be paired with any lunch or snack, blueberries are an easy super food to sneak into your diet. Packed with loads of antioxidants, these little berries ward off cancer and other diseases.
Try blueberry cheesecake popsicles

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Sweet Potatoes
2. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a versatile root that can be paired with a lot of meals. Loaded with beta carotene, Vitamin E, Vitamin B6, potassium, and iron, they pack a huge punch.
Try sassy sweet potato fries
















Natural Nut Butter
3. Natural Nut Butter
There are few people I know who don't like peanut butter ... it's a staple in so many houses. Most store brands have hydrogenated oils so it's a better option to look for natural nut butters. Look for a variety (almond, cashew, soy) with one or two ingredients - nuts and maybe salt.
Try breakfast toast with nut butter and banana


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Avocados
4. Avocados
Avocados are a great source of the 'good fats' called monounsaturated fat, which are mostly found in fish and nuts. The good fat aids in development of proper growth.
Try guacamole






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Broccoli
5. Broccoli
Broccoli is great to eat raw because it retains more of its nutrients in that form. Packed with plenty of vitamins and minerals - this green goodness wards off cell damage and helps your eyesight and more.
Try broccoli and cheese pizza




















Yogurt
6. Yogurt
Yogurt is a quick and easy snack and choosing a natural fruit yogurt blend is a great super-food. Every serving contains huge vitamins and minerals including calcium, protein, Vitamin B, zinc, and phosphorus.
Try easy homemade yogurt






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Tuna and Salmon
7. Tuna and Salmon
Tuna and salmon are the super foods of fish. Plus, there are so many different ways to cook it (you can use flaked from a can or fresh on the pan), and it's packed with Omega-3. This healthy fat helps brain development and helps grow a healthy heart.
Try salmon and asparagus tacos
















- By Devan McGuinness
Follow Devan on Babble

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