I’m going with the rhythm of the people. You asked. I answered. Summer’s around the corner. Bathing suit season is almost upon us. The weather is improving. Comfort food is out. HEALTHY FOOD is in.
But the truth is, now is usually the time we try and bust a move. Our snug jeans from the winter months of delicious pastas and warm cream soups cannot be hidden anymore under a bulky sweater. The air is lighter. The sun is brighter. And it’s right about now that we try to get re-motivated for the summer.
Today is about foods that help keep you fit. If you’ve been sitting on the fence about whether or not to continue in a slump, consider this your whack over the head with the frying pan (pardon the irony). It’s May. May is about rebirth, rejuvenation, and regrowth. So, if you’ve been a bad girl, give yourself permission to own that…and then let it go.
Today is a great day to start fresh. Today is the beginning of the healthier you.
So here we go. Here are the top 7 foods you need to incorporate into your diet to help keep you fit. I’ve covered the green teas, the whole grains before, so let’s talk 2011. We’ll save the exercise portion of it for another day. Today we’re talking food.
1. Berries. Who doesn’t like berries? I recently started making the Jessica Seinfeld Frozen Yogurt Pops for my kids. I buy organic plain yogurt, and put it in the blender with some strawberries or raspberries, add a tad bit of sugar, and we make our own fro yo pops with these delicious berries. Ripe blueberries are high in vitamin C, and have tons of anti-oxidants, which benefit your circulatory system. Strawberries are full of potassium and are also great for your heart. Get some berries, and keep them handy for snacks! 
2. Salmon. Instead of meat or chicken, try salmon as a lunch or dinner option. Salmon is high in protein, omega 3 fatty acids, and very high in vitamin D. Just so you know how important these Omega 3’s are — they help prevent strokes, blood clots and recent studies also show that Omega 3’s have the potential to slow down Alzheimer’s, as well as fight depression and suicide. When in doubt, or if you get a fight from your family, ADD KETCHUP! (It’s how I get my kids to eat it.) 😉
3. Almonds. Almonds are considered a "superfood." They are a great source of vitamin E, as well as other minerals including magnesium. Some studies suggest almonds play a role in weight loss, cholesterol reduction, and that eating 1.5 ounces of almonds per day, may reduce the risk of heart disease. They are great snacks filled with protein and can take you stretches during a busy day. They are a staple in my purse or car.
4. Ginger. Like gingerbread cookies? Well, they have a lot of sugar, but ginger has many healing elements. Firstly, it’s a natural treatment for colds and flues, but studies have gone on to say that ginger may even induce cell death over ovarian cancer cells. Whoa!! Ginger has also been used to relieve heartburn and migraines. I put it in hot water sometimes for a soothing night drink to get all those benefits. 
5. Yogurt. Yogurt is one of the best dairy foods you can have for breakfast. Beside the calcium, which is great for your bones, if you buy low-fat yogurts high in probiotics, you will improve your overall gastrointestinal system, as well as optimize your overall health. Yogurt is often considered the secret food in keeping you young.
6. Apples. It’s no myth that an apple a day keeps the doctor away. You will be amazed at the health benefits of apples. BUY THEM THE NEXT TIME YOU’RE AT THE GROCERY STORE. The unbelievable benefits of apples include: bone protection, asthma help, Alzheimer’s prevention, breast cancer prevention, liver cancer prevention, diabetes management and weight loss. C’mon, grab an apple!
7. Extra Virgin Coconut Oil. Studies are coming out of the wazoo that Extra Virgin Coconut Oil is the best oil you could use for health benefits, and to keep you fit. Coconut oil is also ideal for skin care and has anti aging benefits. Another great health benefit to coconut oil is that it’s been known to stimulate your metabolism. It’s also been known to increase immunity, and help decrease heart disease and high blood pressure. I’m considering making the switch.
And while we’re on the topic of oil, if you cook with Extra Virgin Olive Oil like me, you may want to watch this video. It shocked me. "WHY I DON’T COOK WITH OLIVE OIL." http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=movie&dbid=6
So, if you’ve been eating all the wrong things, or insist that you don’t have the time to eat healthy, there are no more excuses. Your health is just something you are going to HAVE TO find the time to prioritize. Be good to your body, and it will be good to you.
Ladies, I’d love to know where your headspace is right now, and if you’re ready to get off the fence and get fit for summer, or if you’re feeling in a slump. Also, please feel free to add your tips and tricks on foods that are currently keeping YOU healthy.
Erica Diamond
