Five power-foods to keep in your kitchen

Dec. 4, 2015
big basket full of colorful fruit
Photo: Getty Images.

Not quite sure if you’re getting a variety of nutrients in your everyday diet? Adding these five healthy staples to any snack or meal helps give your body what it needs for optimal function without sacrificing taste.

Check out these ideas for incorporating five power-foods into your regular palette:

Greek yogurt
Packed with protein to keep you full, and calcium to protect your bones, Greek yogurt serves as a great breakfast, snack or condiment. Top with granola and fruit. Freeze for an afternoon treat. Try mixing plain Greek yogurt with Ranch-flavored powder to make a low-fat, creamy salad dressing.

Beans
Beans may not be “magical,” but they are an excellent source of protein and fiber. Just half a cup of beans packs almost half of the recommended daily intake of iron. Bean dips, hummus and black bean-corn salads are tasty ways to incorporate more beans into your diet.

Fruit
Fruit curbs your sweet tooth while also increasing your intake of antioxidants, vitamins and fiber. Plus, fruit is easy to toss in your bag for a quick snack on the go.

Eggs
Start your day with an egg to fight mid-morning hunger cravings. One egg packs 6 grams of high-quality protein and contains B vitamins. Hard-boil eggs for a grab-and-go snack, or scramble eggs and add them to a slice of toast with avocado.

Oats
Oats are complex carbohydrates that digest slowly to leave you feeling full longer and can help lower your cholesterol. Try melting peanut butter into oatmeal or adding a scoop of oats to a smoothie.

Have fun experimenting with nutritious treats. What are creative ways that you include nutrient-rich foods in your diet?