5 Healthy Plant-Based Foods You Should Eat Everyday

[Cheryl Nelson]

http://blogs.naturalnews.com/5-healthy-plant-based-foods-eat-everyday/

[Kim B]

Nuts
Nuts are wildly popular among the health-conscious for many reasons. For one thing, they are an excellent protein source for vegans and vegetarians. They are easy to bring along as snacks or in packed lunches, they can be eaten with no preparation, and the fact that they are high in both fiber and protein will help keep the body feeling full and satisfied. Many nuts also contain “good” monounsaturated fats which aid in weight loss and promote cardiac health.

Leafy Greens
Leafy greens – including vegetables like arugula, kale, spinach, collards and chard – are a nutritional powerhouse and necessary for a balanced diet. For instance, just one cup of kale can provide 206% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for Vitamin A, 134% of the RDA for Vitamin C and a whopping 684% of Vitamin K. These greens can all be delicious parts of salads, soups, casseroles and pasta dishes, just to name a few.

Whole Fruit
Whether fresh or frozen, whole fruit is a top pick for those following a healthy dietary regimen. To begin with, they remain one of the best ways to satisfy the sweet tooth but although they do contain sugars, they are also high in fiber so the sugar breaks down more slowly in the body and does not spike up the blood sugar levels. They are also rich in vitamins, minerals, cancer-fighting antioxidants and phytochemicals that bring many health benefits.

Orange Vegetables
While all vegetables can be a part of a healthy diet, orange vegetables in particular are an excellent choice to help nourish the body and boost overall health. This group includes squashes and pumpkins, carrots and sweet potatoes and bring with them loads of Vitamin A, which support a healthy immune system and good vision.

Legumes
The legume family includes beans, peas and lentils, among others, and this group of foods is one of the best known sources of plant-based, high-fiber protein, making it an excellent option for vegans, vegetarians and those who simply want to cut down on their consumption of meat. One cup of lentils, for instance, can provide an impressive 18g’s of protein.

[Kim B]

Nuts, leafy greens, whole fruits, orange veggies, and Legumes (beans, peas, lentils).  Time to add things to my grocery list ;)