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Nuts;
nuts have gotten a bad rap because of their high fat content. But
their protein, heart-healthy fats, high fiber, and antioxidant content earn
them a place on the top 10 list. The key to enjoying nuts, experts say, is
portion control. “All nuts are healthful in small doses, and studies show they
can help lower cholesterol levels and promote weight loss,” says Today Show
nutritionist Joy Bauer, MS, RD. “I like pistachio nuts because they also
contain plant sterols and it takes longer to crack the shell and eat them,
making it easier to control the portion. Whether you prefer pistachios,
almonds, peanuts, walnuts, or pecans, an ounce a day of nuts help fill you up.
Nuts add texture and flavor to salads, side dishes, baked goods, cereals, and
entrees. They taste great alone, too. Zied recommends putting together your own
“100-calorie packs” of nuts for easy and portable snacks.
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Kiwis ;
kivis are among the most nutritionally dense fruits, full of
antioxidants, says Ward. “One large kiwi supplies your daily requirement for
vitamin C,” says Ward. “It is also a good source of potassium, fiber, and a
decent source of vitamin A and vitamin E, which is one of the missing
nutrients, and kiwi is one of the only fruits that provides it.” The sweet
taste and colorful appearance of kiwis makes it easy to slice in half, scoop
out with a spoon and enjoy alone, or slice it into desserts, salads, or side
dishes. Kiwifruit can also have a mild laxative effect due to their high fiber
content.
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Quinoa;
quinoa is now readily available in many supermarkets and is one of the
best whole grains you can eat, according to Zied. “It is an ancient grain, easy
to make, interesting, high in protein (8 grams in 1 cup cooked), fiber (5 grams
per cup) and a naturally good source of iron,” she says. Quinoa (pronounced
keen-wa) also has plenty of zinc, vitamin E, and selenium to help control your
weight and lower your risk for heart disease and diabetes, she says. Quinoa is
as easy to prepare as rice and can be eaten alone or mixed with vegetables,
nuts, or lean protein for a whole-grain medley. Try to make at least half your
daily grain servings whole grains. In addition to quinoa, try barley, oats,
buckwheat, whole wheat, wild rice, and millet.
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Beans;
beans good for your heart — really! Beans are loaded with insoluble fiber,
which helps lower cholesterol, as well as soluble fiber, which fills you up and
helps rid your body of waste. They’re also a good, low-fat source of protein,
carbohydrates, magnesium, and potassium. Bauer favors edamame (whole soybeans)
because they also contain heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Beans can easily
substitute for meat or poultry as the centerpiece of a meal, says Bauer, but
they also work as a side dish, or tossed into soups, stews, or egg dishes. The
U.S. Dietary Guidelines recommend 3 cups weekly.
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Salmon;
salmon is a super food because of its omega-3 fatty acid content.
Studies show that omega-3 fatty acids help protect heart health. That’s why the
American Heart Association recommends eating fatty fish like salmon twice
weekly. Salmon is low in calories (200 for 3 ounces) has lots of protein, is a
good source of iron, and is very low in saturated fat. You can simply grill or
bake it, top it with salsas or other low-fat sauces, or serve it on top of
salad greens. If you don’t like salmon, Lichtenstein recommends eating other
kinds of fish, like canned tuna. And what about the mercury content? (Mercury
is known to accumulate in fish.) “The benefits of eating salmon or other fatty
fish twice weekly far outweigh any risks, but if you are concerned, check with
your doctor,” says Zied.
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Broccoli;
broccoli is one of America’s favorite vegetables because it tastes good
and is available all year long. It’s a rich source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and
bone-building vitamin K, and has plenty of fiber to fill you up and help
control your weight. “Some people think beta-carotene (vitamin A) is only found
in orange and yellow vegetables, but broccoli is an excellent source,” says
Ward. You can eat broccoli raw, lightly steamed, stir-fried, roasted, or
grilled. Eat it as a side dish, or toss into grains, egg dishes, soups, and
salads.
sweet potatoes are a delicious member of the dark orange vegetable family,
which lead the pack in vitamin A content. Substitute a baked sweet potato (also
loaded with vitamin C, calcium, and potassium) for a baked white potato. And
before you add butter or sugar, taste the sweetness that develops when a sweet
potato is cooked — and think of all the calories you can save over that loaded
baked potato. “If we eat more foods like sweet potatoes that are rich sources
of potassium, and fewer high-sodium foods, we can blunt the effect of sodium on
blood pressure and reduce bone loss,” says Zied. Other dark orange vegetable
standouts include pumpkin, carrots, butternut squash, and orange bell peppers.
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Berries;
berries pack an incredible amount of nutritional goodness into a small
package. They’re loaded with antioxidants, phytonutrients, low in calories, and
high in water and fiber to help control blood sugar and keep you full longer.
And their flavors satisfy sweets cravings for a fraction of the calories in
baked goods. Blueberries lead the pack because they are among the best source of
antioxidants and are widely available. Cranberries are also widely available
fresh, frozen, or dried. All can add flavor and nutrition to numerous dishes,
from salads and cereals to baked goods and yogurt.
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