Do you eat flax-crusted baked salmon over a bed of kale with a blueberry reduction?
Neither do I.
I eat raw apples, egg omelets and roasted almonds. They're easy and tasty. I don't have time for “fancy healthy.”
Do you eat seaweed and Açai berry smoothies? I don't. I would if I liked it. But since I don't like it, I don't eat it.
And that's what it boils down to for me: I eat healthy foods that are EASY.
Easy because they're tasty. Easy because they're quick to make.
These foods are not a burden so eating them consistently is effortless.
To give you some ideas, here’s a list of foods I eat every day.
Edamame
Great source of complete protein (13g per 1oz) and fiber (5g).
Convenient and portable! I buy pre-roasted in bulk so there's minimal shopping time, no prep, no cooking, and no cleanup.
Rich in: protein, calcium, vitamin C, iron, vitamin K, folate
Cinnamon
Makes healthy food taste better! (i.e.my yogurt, oatmeal)
It's full of plant compounds that can improve gut health, reduce cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, and more!
Rich in: fiber, manganese, calcium, antioxidants
Apples
Again, portable and no prep needed. I want healthy foods that are easy to make a daily habit. I love apples so this one's a no-brainer.
Rich in: fiber, vitamin C, various antioxidants like vitamin E, polyphenols
Pro tip: Eat the skin, too! That adds 332% more vit K, 142% more vit A, 115% more vit C, plus more calcium, and potassium than peeled!
Eggs
Definitely not portable but versatile! Multiple cooking options. Another complete protein source (6g / egg). An omelet makes eating more veggies easy.
Rich in: phosphorus, calcium, potassium, vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B12, vitamin D, selenium, iodine, carotenoids (a type of antioxidant)
Bananas
In case you can’t tell, I like low-prep, portable foods that make it easy to be healthy on the go. Eat one before bed - the electrolytes reduce muscle cramping and the carbs can help you sleep!
Rich in: potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin C, both soluble and insoluble fiber
Yogurt
Great for gut health. Excellent protein per calorie ratio. Adding berries is tasty and boosts healthiness. Quick to prep and consume.
Rich in: calcium, vitamin D, magnesium, potassium, phosphorous, zinc, vitamins B6 and B12, Riboflavin
Beans
Beans are a nutritional powerhouse! A great source of protein & fiber and a long list of other nutrients. They're filling and versatile - many varieties to choose from and countless recipes.
Rich in: protein, fiber, B-vitamins, iron, folate, calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc
Almonds
Again. Portable.
Great for snacking, almonds have healthy fats, protein, fiber and antioxidants. They support heart health and reduce blood pressure.
Rich in: protein, fiber, vitamin E, calcium, copper, magnesium, riboflavin
Cruciferous Vegetables
(Examples: broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts)
Rich in fiber and low in calories, they have phytonutrients — plant-based compounds that lower inflammation and reduce cancer risk. Roast with EVOO to unlock their full potency! Delicious!
Rich in: carotenoids (beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin), vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, folate, fiber
Spinach
Another powerhouse food!
I eat a salad every day so having 2 cups mixed in is easy. Rich in many essential nutrients, spinach also contains important plant compounds like lutein, kaempferol, quercetin and zeaxanthin.
These are flavonoids and cartenoids that play important roles in the body, from maintaining eye health to reducing inflammation.
Rich in: vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, iron, folate, potassium, fiber
What foods from this list would you try adding to your routine?