What’s in our food shopping bag?
Me and Jess are really trying hard to focus on not only living a life full of fun but one full of health and fitness. I was recently interviewed about what a ‘Life well lived’ mean to me. I had to say being healthy and happy were top of my list!
As you may of noticed from time to time we like to post food on the blog; weather it’s cooking or eating; we love it all! I’m a vegetarian and although Jess isn’t she doesn’t eat a lot of meat and in general likes vegetarian food. Both of us try to keep wheat and diary low on our eating list and with our recent push for fitness we are really keen to pay even more attention into what we are putting in our bodies!
I’ve been doing some research and these are some of the top priorities on my food shopping list and why!
1- Organic Eggs.
Eggs are full of protein which is important especially for me as I’m vegetarian but in general important to everyone for a healthy diet. Organic eggs are important because they aren’t pumped full of steroids which non-organic eggs are. And the chickens will have led much healthy lives! One large egg has 75 calories, 7 grams of protein, and 5 grams of fat.
2 – Spinach.
Spinach is rich in iron. Iron plays a central role in the function of red blood cells which help in transporting oxygen around the body, in energy production and DNA synthesis. Spinach is also an excellent source of vitamin K, vitamin A, vitamin C and folic acid as well as being a good source of manganese, magnesium, iron and vitamin B2. Vitamin K is important for maintaining bone health and it is difficult to find vegetables richer in vitamin K than spinach. Others include kale, broccoli and green cabbage. Spinach is also potent in nitrates, becoming nitric oxide in the body.
3 – Watermelon.
Watermelon contains the amino acid, citrulline, which gets converted to arginine. Arginine is the precursor to nitric oxide (NO) – a compound that widens your blood vessels, producing a greater pump and nutrient delivery to your hard-trained muscles.
4 – Quinoa.
Originating from South America, this ancient grain is considered a complete protein and contains the highest amount of the amino acid leucine, which instigates muscle protein synthesis, so the more the better. At 155 calories per ¼ cup serving, this nutrient dense grain contains 6 grams of protein, 29 grams of carbohydrates, and is an excellent source of magnesium, iron, and potassium. Magnesium and potassium help regulate muscle contractions — preventing horrible muscle cramps.
5 – Goats Yogurt.
Like Greek Yogurt but with less lactose, natural live yogurt is rich in probiotics which are key to keeping your insides healthy and your immune system strong. I go for Goats as it has less lactose and lactose isn’t that great for anyone especially if you have any kind of sinus issues or are prone to a blocked nose / cold.
6 – Green Tea.
Green tea is one of the most versatile foods because it aids in digestion, reduces the risk of certain cancers, atherosclerosis, strokes, and it may help in weight loss. A recent study claims that green tea supplementation may protect against exercise-induced oxidative damage. Moreover, the caffeine found naturally in green tea may give you an extra boost during your workout.
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