Here’s my top 10 super foods to add this summer. Some help with stress, others with weight loss. All will 100% improve your health.
1) Cucumber
Feeling a bit stressed? As a Master Nutritionist who lost over 130+ pounds I suggest adding organic cucumber to your next meal. Try cucumber and hummus or covered with fresh lemon juice. Absolutely delicious and is a known diuretic to help lessen bloating and flush toxins.
2) Coffee
As a Master Nutritionist I PINKY PROMISE to let my clients keep their COFFEE! Coffee has so many HEALTHY benefits for your body- including weight loss, reduced cravings and even better cognitive (brain) functions. Some medically-backed studies have proven coffee is linked to lower risk for Alzheimer’s, heart disease and depression. Yay coffee!
It’s HOW you drink your coffee that makes it good or not so good for your health. I suggest first choosing an organic coffee that’s tripled filtered with clean, distilled water (90% of coffee is water). Then cut the sugar and fake sugars and use a healthy, natural sweetener, Like monkfruit or Stevia. I also sub out the high-carb, hormone-filled milk for almond or coconut milk. Iced, hot or blended, it’s deliciously satisfying without all the sugar! Enjoy my friends!
HEALTHY COFFEE FACTS:
Did you know?
Coffee Can Lower risk of Type 2 Diabetes.
Those who consumed 1 or more cups per day had a 22% lower risk of diabetes. From the Archives of Internal Medicine (link). A recent review of research conducted by Harvard’s Dr. Frank Hu showed that the risk of type II diabetes decreases by 9% for each daily cup of coffee consumed. Decaf coffee decreased risk by 6% per cup.
3) Lemons
When life hands you lemons, make lemonade! Drinking Lemon water is a great way to help your body improve digestion, metabolize fat and also boost your immune system. I suggest enjoying half of an organic lemon in your water in the morning and another half of in your water in the evening. Also, if you go out to eat skip the sugary soda or alcoholic beverages and opt for a delicious and refreshing lemon water. You can even add a few drops of Stevia and you instantly have a delicious, refreshing sugar-free lemonade! You will not only save yourself the chemicals and sugars, but you will also save some money!
4) Eggs
For healthy weight loss eat a high protein breakfast, like cage-free-organic eggs, in combination with complex carbohydrates, like vegetables and berries. Together the combination will keep your insulin levels stable all day. This will allow your body to burn more fat, dramatically decrease sugar/carb cravings and provide you with steady energy all day long. Protein is KEY for building a lean, tone, healthy body– So eat up my friends!
5) Blueberries
These are my favorite snack! Packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to keep you feeling your best all day long. They are a great snack or added to smoothies. Plus, they will not spike your glycemic leveled (blood sugar) and will allow you to burn fat more easily. So eat up and enjoy daily!
6) Water
While technically not a super food, water deserves an honorable mention. Many times people who are suffering from chronic headaches, low energy, even cravings for carbohydrates and sugars are suffering from dehydration or just needing to add more water to their daily diet.
Top 10 Benefits of Drinking Water:
• Increases Energy & Relieves Fatigue.
• Promotes Weight Loss.
• Flushes Out Toxins.
• Improves Skin Complexion.
• Maintains Regularity.
• Boosts Immune System.
• Natural Headache Remedy.
• Prevents Cramps & Sprains.
• Improves Mood.
• Prevents Headaches.
As as Master Nutritionist I can’t stress it enough– Drink your water! Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate!
7) Strawberries
I LOVE strawberries for their sweetness and incredible health benefits! I did a little research on and here’s what I found:
1. Helps burn stored fat!
The red coloring contains anthocyanins, which stimulate the burning of stored fat. When a group of animals was fed a high-fat diet along with anthocyanins, they gained 24 percent less weight than the animals eating the high-fat diet without added anthocyanins. (The Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry)
2. Low in Calories – High in Fiber!
One cup contains only 54 calories.
3. Lower cardiovascular disease
Flavonoids — which are responsible for the colour and flavour of strawberries — lower the risk for heart disease.
4. Prevent oesophageal cancer!
Studies show freeze-dried strawberry powder may help prevent human oesophageal cancer.
5. Anti-aging properties!
Strawberries are filled with biotin, which helps build strong hair and nails. They also contain the antioxidant ellagic acid, which protects the elastic fibers in our skin to prevent sagging.
6. Good for weight loss!
The compound nitrate found promotes blood flow and oxygen in our body, which is great for weight loss.
Strawberries are absolutely amazing and should be included in your healthy diet. Just remember though, be sure and purchase organic because strawberries are on the top 10 for highest pesticides in traditional farming methods.
8) Grass Raised Beef
As both a mom and a Master Nutritionist I try to avoid giving my family hormone hindered foods. This why we truly love grass raised beef because it’s naturally higher in amino acids that aid in cell repair and muscle growth– which in turn helps the body burn more fat. We also sub out the carbohydrate-laden hamburger buns and tortillas for healthy lettuce wraps. I encourage you to give grass raised beef a try at your next summer BBQ.
9) Kambucha Tea
I’ve recently discovered this tea called Kombucha, also known as the “Elixir of Life”. Kombucha is one of the hottest trends in health beverages, so I had to try it! This fermented tea is delicious and boasts great health benefits, such as aids digestion, sleep, weight loss and detoxification; stimulates the immune system, prevents cancer, stops hair loss, and improves liver function. Give this tasty tonic a try at home!
Recipe:
Steep (1) Kombucha tea bag in 6 ounces of boiling water. Add stevia for sweetness and fresh lemon and raspberries. Enjoy iced or hot.
10) Citrus
Did you know that citrus fruit, like oranges, lemons, limes and tangerines can help you achieve that perfect summer tan? As a Master Nutritionist I learned about this while studying for my Masters and it intrigued me!
Critic-acid is found in many fruits, such as lemons, limes, oranges, tangerines and grapefruit, and has been shown to improve the body’s development of melanin. Melanin is the skin’s ability to pigment from sun exposure. If you’re needing a little extra help developing your golden glow this summer, sip on this delicious treat while in the sun and see for yourself!
TIP: Just be careful not to over tan because you can also burn quickly if you’re lighter skin toned.
Christina’s Healthy Vitamin C-Monster Recipe!
INGREDIENTS:
• 6 tangerines squeezed for juice. • 6 strawberries diced. • 1 cup of ice. • 1/2 cup lime juice. • 1/2 cup raw orange juice. • 1/2 cup cold water. • 1-2 drop-fulls of liquid Stevia to flavor.
DIRECTIONS:
Mix all ingredients together and enjoy poolside!
Summer is a wonderful time to relax, refresh and focus on creating healthy habits that will last all year long! Happy Summer!
~Christina Jordan (Master Nutritionist)
