We've all heard the saying "you are what you eat" hundreds of times. But just because it's become cliché, doesn't mean it isn't true! The truth is that the foods we eat go a long way in determining how we look and how we feel. If we pollute our bodies with processed garbage, we're going to look (and feel) like garbage. But if we reward our bodies with nutritious foods, we can remain slim, fit and healthy well into our later years.
The only problem is that with all the confusion out there, we have a hard time figuring out which foods are actually healthy for us. Well, I'm going to clear that confusion up for you right now. Because I'm going to share 25 healthy foods you should be eating in posts over the next two weeks. Let's start with the first 10!
More from MamásLatinas:5 Cooking mistakes that are making you gain weight
Whether you're looking for healthy breakfast ideas, protein-rich dinners, or even a quick snack, you're guaranteed to find something nutritious and delicious on this list.
Healthy Food #1: Eggs There's no better way to start our list than with this breakfast staple. Eggs are loaded with the nutrients you need to start your day. They pack a powerful protein punch, while remaining low in both calories and fat. Eggs are also a great source of the nutrient choline, which helps prevent memory loss. So after you enjoy that delicious omelet, you'll have no problem remembering just how delicious it was!
Healthy Food #2: Oatmeal Another great breakfast idea is oatmeal! It's full of complex carbohydrates that provide you with energy. Oatmeal is also loaded with fiber, allowing you to feel satisfied and full well into the day. It's a solid source of Vitamin E, as well as vitamins B1 and B2. By eating your oatmeal, you also provide your body with zinc and iron. And many people find it to taste great. Especially when they add our next food…
Healthy Food #3: Berries These delicious treats can really add some fruity flavor to your meal. Berries are low in calories, high in fiber, and absolutely packed with powerful antioxidants and phytochemicals. They're known to fight off a whole variety of health problems like heart disease, urinary tract infections, and even some cancers.
Healthy Food #4: Quinoa Similar to oatmeal, quinoa is a "wonder grain" that's made up of complex carbohydrates and rich with protein. Quinoa contains over 80 nutrients and is an especially strong source of manganese, magnesium and phosphorus.
Healthy Food #5: Sweet Potato When it comes to carbohydrates, it's hard to find a healthier source than the delicious sweet potato. Sweet potatoes contain lots of Vitamin A, which helps to keep your immune system strong. They get their color because they're loaded with beta-carotene, which is amazing for your skin. It's been shown to repair skin damage by promoting the growth of new skin cells.
Healthy Food #6: Tomatoes Another colorful food, tomatoes are low in calories and high in vitamin C. Tomatoes are also one of the best sources of Lycopene, which has been shown to help fight prostate, lung and stomach cancers.
Healthy Food #7: Shiitake Mushrooms This East-Asian delicacy has been used by the Chinese for its health-boosting properties by over 6000 years. Studies have shown that these foods to help prevent cardiovascular disease. Shiitake mushrooms are also a great source of iron and the B vitamins.
Healthy Food #8: Apples If you want a healthy way to satisfy a sweet tooth, look no further than the apple. This fruit is high in pectin, which is a special kind of fiber shown to lower cholesterol. Also, apple skin contains something called ursolic acid, which helps to prevent obesity.
Healthy Food #9: Kale Known for its dark green leaves, kale is a vegetable loaded with calcium that promotes healthy bones and teeth. It contains vitamins and minerals that provide the body with energy, help fight infections, and to keep nerves healthy. But here's what most people don't know about kale: When you bake it, it becomes a very healthy alternative to a potato chip. Sprinkle some garlic and onion powder on top of your "kale chips" and you'll find that they're actually delicious.
Healthy Food #10: Greek Yogurt This "healthy" yogurt is very high in protein. If you add some berries or unsweetened cocoa powder, you can make a delicious frozen treat that tastes so good, you'll have a hard time believing it can be as healthy as it is.
