If you’ve been trying to eat healthier, you’ve probably come across your fair share of “superfoods” and wondered what’s so “super” about them. While this term tends to be more of a marketing word than a scientific one, the food in this category is usually nutrient-dense and filled with all kinds of good antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to give your health a super boost.
Most superfoods will be found in the perimeter of your grocery store–you know, the places where fresh, whole foods are kept. However, some are available in your freezer section, too, which is awesome since produce doesn’t always like to stick around for long.
You can make superfoods the mainstay of any main meal you make, but don’t forget about powering up your midday snacks as well. Metabolism runs best when you eat small meals all day long, which requires taking in food every two to three hours. Instead of just saving the superfoods for breakfast, lunch and dinner, work in these snacks for healthy benefits all day long.
Blueberries
This blue food is one of the highest available sources of flavonoids, which can help keep the memory in tip-top shape, keep your heart healthy, and so much more. Plus, this little fruit is also packed with water, which means your skin will benefit as well.
Snack It: Yogurt Berries
Roll blueberries in vanilla yogurt and place on a baking sheet covered with wax paper. Place in the freezer and let harden. Munch on these sweet snacks to cool down on a hot day or after an intense sweat session.
Leafy Greens
Leafy greens, including spinach, swiss chard, and the latest trendy green food, kale, are low calorie, high fiber, and packed with antioxidants. What’s great about this food is that it can fill you up without weighing you down, and it’s very versatile, so you don’t have to save it just for your salads.
Snack It: Superfood Smoothie
Leafy greens have a tendency to be bitter, and as such, people tend to avoid eating them. If you’re not a fan of the flavor but still want the benefits, blend your greens into a smoothie filled with berries, chia seeds and oats–all superfoods! While kale, spinach, or the like will turn your super-powered snack drink green, you won’t turn green from the taste.
Almonds
You’d be nuts not to add these nuts to your snack list. Almonds are packed with healthy Omega 3 fatty acids, magnesium, fiber, and monounsaturated fats. Eat a few each days and your heart will be healthier, your brain will get a boost, and your fat loss goals will have a helping hand.
Snack It: Cocoa Nuts
Almonds all on their own are delicious, but dipped in unsweetened cocoa–another superfood–and their absolutely crave-worthy. To make, bake a cup or two of raw almonds in a 350-degree oven for about 5 minutes. Let cool slightly and pour into a bowl. Add a tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa and a half teaspoon of stevia. Stir or lightly toss until all the almonds are covered. Place the almonds on a baking sheet to cool before eating.
There are lots of great superfoods to snack on each day, so much so that you could likely try new recipes every day and never get bored. Isn’t it time to switch up your snacks with a more nutrient-dense food?
Share your favorite superfood recipe in the comments!
Carrie Anton is a freelance writer focusing on health, fitness, and sports. She's been published in Self, Women's Health, Oxygen, and Maximum Fitness.
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