The statement “we are what we eat” is as true now as it has ever been. Our daily choice of what to eat makes up what our body is – healthy or unhealthy- and how our body functions-energized or fatigued. To stay healthy and energized every day, you must choose to eat healthy foods. Unlike what you may think, healthy foods can be delicious, fun to make, and colorful. These are healthy foods you should be eating more to nourish your body;

1. Fermented Food

Fermented foods are healthy as they boost the growth of healthy bacteria in your body and help in food digestion. They also improve immunity and help you lose weight faster. Examples of fermented food include- Kombucha, a fermented tea; tempeh, fermented soybeans; and kefir, fermented dairy.

2. Fruits And Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are the healthiest foods we have. They are filled with vital vitamins and minerals needed to nourish the body and help it function optimally. Examples of fruits are; pineapples, tomatoes, oranges, apples, mango, bananas, grapes, berries, etc. Examples of vegetables include; cabbage, eggplant, broccoli, carrots, brussels sprouts, lettuce, etc. Fruits and vegetables have high-calorie density, so you don’t need to each much to get more.

3. Whole Grains

The food you eat should give you enough energy to carry out daily activities, and this is what you get with whole grains. Whole grains have high amounts of carbohydrates and dietary fiber that translates to energy to do work. Examples of whole-grain food you should be eating are; white rice, brown rice, oats, corn, wheat, quinoa, amaranth, etc.

4. Legumes

Legumes are a great source of plant protein that replenishes and rebuilds the body; legumes are also loaded with fiber and minerals. Examples of legumes are; beans, green peas, peanuts, lentils, etc.

5. Meats

Contrary to popular information, meats are healthy and supply nutrients that nourish your body. Meats contain animal-based protein that helps build and repair bones, muscles, and other skeletal materials of the body. They are also used by the body to produce enzymes and hormones. Meats can be grouped into white and red meat. Examples of red meat include; beef, pork, lamb, venison, hare, mutton, etc. White meat is mostly meat from birds. Examples of white meat are chicken, turkey, duck, goose, etc. Meat should be unprocessed and well-cooked to avoid contamination and the spread of disease. Also, even though all meats are healthy, white meat provides more nutritional value than red meat and should be eaten more than red meat.

6. Seafood

Seafood is a great source of protein and other nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and iodine. Seafood also contains sodium which makes them tasty and more nutritious. We all know that fish is the most common type of seafood, and examples of fish include sardines, salmon, trout, tuna, and catfish. Other types of seafood are crayfish, shrimp, prawns, periwinkle, crab, oyster, clams, snails, etc.

There are proportions and quantities in which each of these healthy foods should be eaten. A balanced diet maximizes the health benefits of these foods.