The best foods for you are those that are closest to their natural state. The less processed a food is, the more nutrients it retains. Brown rice is better than white rice because it contains certain B vitamins, which are lost during the processing of white rice. Fiber is much higher in brown rice as well. When possible, focus on raw, natural foods and you will begin to notice positive results in your overall health.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables have a lot of things going for them. First, they are rich in nutrients, especially vitamins A and C, fiber and minerals. They are also low in calories, so you can usually eat plenty of them without having to worry about exceeding your calorie count for the day. Starchy vegetables like potatoes must be consumed in moderation. Instead, focus on red and orange vegetables like carrots and sweet peppers, as well as leafy, dark green vegetables.
Beans and Lentils
Beans and lentils are a rich source of fiber, carbohydrates and proteins. Especially when combined with whole grains, they are a good replacement for meats and other animal proteins. Beans are also low in fat. Soybeans are a good choice if eaten in moderation. There's still much debate on whether eating too much soy can be dangerous, since soy has a hormone-like effect in your body. Until a definite answer exists, limit your food intake to a few meals a week.
Whole Grains
Whole grains are a great source of fiber and vitamins. They're also a slow source of energy for your body. This means they provide your body with glucose, which is needed for energy, but they do it slowly. With whole grains you don't experience the highs and lows of energy that you get with simple carbs like sugars. Instead, whole grains provide you with a more steady source of energy.
Salmon
All lean proteins are good choices, but fatty fish is especially good. Wild salmon doesn't contain as many toxic industrial compounds , such as mercury and PCBs, as other types of fish. Salmon is also good in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help protect your heart and improve your cardiovascular health.
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