Four Foods You MUST Add To Your Diet

Did you make a New Year’s resolution to eat better this year? Us, too! All these months later, though, we’re not sure we’re really on the right track. One reason for this is that the internet is filled with contradictory advice about what’s good for you and what’s bad for you. Over time, this can make you paranoid about whether what you are eating is going to help you shed some pounds or just make you wince once you get on the scale.

That’s why we decided to consult with one of the few names in food health we trust: Martha Stewart! She recently featured several foods on her website that are meant to help all of us lead healthier and happier lives. Some of the choices were no-brainers, and some were absolutely shocking. Just which foods should you add to your diet for this year and beyond? Keep reading to find out!

Fatty fish

It’s probably not much of a surprise to see fish on this list. After all, seafood is very healthy, especially when you compare it to alternatives like red meat. That’s why fish are a cornerstone of various trendy diets, including the Mediterranean diet. However, while all fish are healthy, some fish are healthier than others. If you really want what is best for your body, you need to make sure you are regularly eating fish that are high in fat.

Why are fatty fish better for you? Like all fish, they serve as a great source of protein, and they have Vitamin D, which can boost both your bone health and your immunity. But fatty fish in particular are filled with omega-3 fatty acids, which help strengthen your heart and your mind. In fact, such seafood is so good for developing and strengthening your mind that it has a flattering nickname: “brain food.”

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Leafy greens

As a general rule, “green is good” when it comes to your diet. Because of that, you’ve probably already guessed that you could use more greens in your life. As with the fish, though, it’s the type of greens that are immensely important. In this case, you need to make sure you are eating dark, leafy greens on a regular basis. One reason for this is that they are packed jampacked with several things your body could always use more of, including calcium, folate, iron, magnesium, and vitamins A, C, and K.

If that’s not enough, dark, leafy greens are a killer source of fiber. This can help improve your digestion and generally ensure that you always fit into your favorite pair of jeans. Additionally, dark, leafy greens are filled with antioxidants that help protect your cells from damage and decay. Because of this, it’s fair to say that each bite of these greens can help you live that much longer!

Legumes

If they are being honest, most people would admit that they don’t get enough legumes in their diet. Legumes, of course, refer to foods such as black-eyed peas, chickpeas, and lentils. For many people, these are all “sometimes foods.” In the American South, for example, someone might eat black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day as a way of securing good luck for the upcoming year. Trust us, though: if you really want to be lucky, you need to eat legumes at least once a week rather than once a year!

That’s because this type of food is rich in both protein and fiber. That’s a real double-whammy because protein provides the energy you need while fiber keeps you feeling fuller for a longer time. That alone can help you lose weight because you won’t be tempted to grab second helpings or midnight snacks. Finally, legumes are rich in various minerals, including iron and magnesium. That makes legumes a powerful way to shed pounds while making your body healthy.

Talk about living the dream!

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Various fermented foods

Earlier, we talked about the power of fiber: namely, that it leaves you feeling fuller for a longer time. Unsurprisingly, Martha Stewart’s website recommends eating various foods that are high in fiber. What will surprise you, though, is the more “outside the box” recommendation her site makes for those trying to lose weight. In short, she thinks you should be eating more fermented foods such as kefir, kimchi, and tempeh.

What’s so special about fermented foods? They all provide the probiotics that help promote healthy gut bacteria within your body. With more probiotics inside you, your body will have an easier time breaking down fiber. This helps with digestion and overall gut health, which is especially helpful if you suffer from the dreaded hot girl tummy troubles. As an added bonus, probiotics also help strengthen your immune system and even your mood, making it easier for you to step out of the house and socialize with all your friends and family!