The 10 Healthiest Foods at Your Local Grocery

All too often the main aim of healthy diets are to help shed extra pounds, but whilst we’re doing this we need to make sure we’re also nourishing our bodies in the best way possible, stocking up on minerals and vitamins, filling ourselves with proteins and healthy fats, so that we can look and feel our best inside and out.

So which foods should you go for if you want to be at the top of your game, getting the most out of your meals? Coincidentally most of the time, low calorie foods are often the most nutritious. So what can we get munching on to fill out body with goodness?

These foods are also readily available, you won’t have to trek up a mountain or climb trees to get your hands on these treats! The list starts here.

1. Almonds

Almonds are packed with fibre, vitamin E and iron- they are probably the healthiest food going and have more calcium and protein than any other nut. A 1oz. serving only has 170 calories in as well so they make a fantastic snack to keep you going

2. Apples

Apples are full of pectin, a soluble fibre so they’re fantastic for you immune and digestive system, your glucose and cholesterol levels. They’re also one of the highest sources of vitamin C you can get your hands on, and only have 95 calories. It really is true- an apple a day keeps the doctor away.

3. Blueberries

Blueberries are more or less known to be a super food- they’re absolutely packed with just about every nutrient you can get your hands on. They’re rich in phytonutrients, and may and are proven to prevent urinary tract infections. Another amazing source of fibre and vitamin C, and a whole cup only contains 84 calories.

They’re amazing to add to a cereal or smoothie to jazz them up a bit and give you a nutritious kick.

4. Broccoli

Broccoli is a food packed with calcium, magnesium and iron so it’s great for giving you a little extra strength and sustenance. They also contain vitamin A and C and a cup of broccoli only has 30 calories in it, so it’s a great snack to keep you going or a great side for one of your meals.

5. Spinach

Spinach is another fab food packed with calcium, protein, Vitamins A, B-6 and C, magnesium, iron and riboflavin’s. A cup of the leafy green only has 7 calories so it’s a real winner for the nutrients vs. calorie intake.

6. Salmon

Salmon is a great alternative to meat with half the calories and double the nutrients. The fish is rich in omega 3 and fatty acids and a wonderful rich source of protein. 3 oz. servings only have 175 calories so it’s a good base for a meal, or a small portion can be a great way to keep you going.

The omega 3 in the fish also prolongs and stimulates brain activity so it’s popular with students and hard workers!

7. Onions

Onions are full of the flavonoid quercetin and one cup will give you 64 calories, 2g of protein and 25% of your daily Vitamin C intake

8. Quinoa

Quinoa is the staple food of the majority of Africa as it is the grain with the highest protein count and it’s also one of the cheapest and readily available foods in the world. As well as this those tiny grains are full of iron, riboflavin and magnesium.

Half a cup contains 318 calories, so they’re not the leanest of foods, but half a cup will expand a lot and fill you up.

9. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are full of nutrients and are a proven anti-carcinogenic vegetable. They’re full of antioxidants and have lots of Vitamin C, completely fat free and only 26 calories!

10. Lentils

Lentils are another fantastic source of protein and fibre, whilst being equally low in fat and calories. They also contain isoflavins and are proven to lower the growth of estrogen triggered cancers, so are highly recommended in a female’s diet. One half cup serving only contains 115 calories, so get munching!

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There is a plethora of low calorie food out there but what you want to keep an eye out for are those with no nutritional value at all, these are empty calories. You want to fill your body with goodness and let yourself glow from the inside out. Not only will you look and feel better but your weight will decrease as well.

About the Author

Lucie is a trained freelance journalist specialising in health and fitness and modern landscaping. She currently writes on behalf of www.weighttogo.com, the nutrition and diet specialists. She graduated a year ago and has since then spread her wings into the world of blogging. You can follow Lucie on Twitter at @LadyLucieCrouch