Social media is full of fitness influencers flexing in the gym and touting the next great workout for weight loss and transformation. While these posts can be inspiring (or even intimidating), it’s important to remember that transformation doesn’t simply come from spending hours at the gym every day.
The truth is, real transformation, whether it’s weight loss, muscle growth, or increased endurance, happens in the kitchen and not the gym. There are so many reasons why nutrition is your wellness MVP, but here are some reminders on the importance of nutrition.
Can’t Outrun a Bad Diet
If you’re looking to trim fat and lose weight, you know creating a caloric deficit is necessary. However, it’s near impossible to outrun a bad diet. You can’t simply compensate for poor eating habits with extra cardio time. Even if you exercise constantly, high-calorie and low-nutrient foods will still impede your weight loss. Furthermore, a poor diet can cause damage to your overall health through increased inflammation, vulnerability to conditions like diabetes and heart disease, and a slower metabolism.
Food Helps Heal
Food can be medicine, specifically nutrient-dense foods. So whether you’re dealing with a chronic health problem or just trying to feel better, choosing “superfoods” can have a substantial positive impact on your health.
Superfoods containing antioxidants can help reduce inflammation and increase your resiliency to chronic diseases and short-term illnesses. Vegetables like leafy greens can even help your body detoxify.
Fitness Superfoods to Include in Your Diet
So which superfoods should you consider adding to your shopping list? Most of them are healthy options you’re already familiar with! Here are some of our favorite superfoods and how they can help you on your fitness journey.
- Apples contain quercetin, a potent antioxidant, fiber to aid digestion, and Vitamin C for immunity.
- Broccoli is one of our favorite superfoods since it’s easy to incorporate into so many meals! Broccoli contains potassium, quercetin, and fiber, all while being low-calorie.
- Onions also contain quercetin and other antioxidants that fight inflammation and lower cholesterol levels.
- Green tea has been shown to aid in weight loss and boost metabolism. Drink 3-5 cups per day to help decrease your risk of diabetes and cancer (learn more about tea’s cancer-fighting benefits from Cancer Hates Tea).
- Oats are high in fiber and help lower cholesterol.
- Blueberries contain powerful anti-inflammatory properties alongside antioxidants.
- Cinnamon is an anti-inflammatory and can help your body eliminate toxins.
These are just some of the more common superfoods out there. Which are your favorites, and what’s your go-to method of incorporating superfoods into your daily life?