New Healthy Foods to Try!

Posted by Coach Sean on Oct 11th, 2011 in Nutrition | 13 comments

If you are reading this then chances are you’re looking for ways to become healthier and more fit. You might have even decided to try P90X, Insanity or TurboFire and are now looking into making your diet healthier. One of the biggest concerns that people have when trying to change their diet is that it becomes bland and boring. That doesn’t have to be the case. If you have spent time reading the nutrition guides from the above programs you would have seen many great varieties of foods/meals that you can make that are tasty and healthy.

The fun part about nature through is that there is always something new to discover. As I continue to go through my fitness journey, I am constantly looking for new healthy foods to try. Lately I have started to broaden my views and try things that I normally wouldn’t. Raw, Vegan, Paleo…I am trying different things to see what sticks. The things that I have found lately have been very good and very different. So I wanted to share them with you!

Here are some New Foods/Products that I you should look for next time you are at the grocery or health food store.

New Healthy Foods to Try!

1. Nuttzo: Nuttzo is an Organic Nut Butter that combines Organic Valencia Peanuts, Organic Cashews, Organic Almonds, Organic Brazilian Nuts, Organic Sunflower Seeds, Organic Flax Seeds, Organic Hazelnuts and Kosher Salt, to make a delicious nut butter. The great part is that it is different from your average Peanut Butter. I was very surprised by the great flavor and texture. The nutritional facts are very close to peanut butter so if you are looking to try something different then this would be the way to go. They also have a Peanut Butter Free spread as well for those who want to really try something different. They include Chia seeds in that one which are FULL of Omega 3s. As a matter of fact, 2 tablespoons of Nuttzo Original provide 50% of your daily value of Omega 3 ALAs. You can check it out at www.gonuttzo.com

2. Kombucha: This is a very interesting little drink. I recently tried this and loved it actually. The one I tried was the Kombucha Chia Raspberry. Kombucha has been a little bit controversial but it can be traced back to ancient China where it was worshiped as a remedy for immortality. It is a fermented drink that is said to help to cleanse the body of toxins. Kombucha also provides a source of prebiotics, which helps fuel the growth of helpful microorganisms in your digestive track. The black and green tea in kombucha also offers some beneficial antioxidants and polyphenols.

Chia seeds on the other had are very well known and very good for you as well. Chia is considered The Aztec Superfood are the best-known source of plant-based Omega 3s ALA, since 60% of a Chia seed is essential fatty acids, which support cardiovascular health, healthy joints, immune system function, and overall cellular energy. Chia seeds are also high in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Chia Seeds are magical little gray seeds that can absorb 12 times its weight in water which turn into a gel-forming reaction is due to the soluble fiber in the Chia. Researchers believe this same gel-forming phenomenon takes place in the stomach when food containing these gummy fibers, known as mucilages, are eaten. The gel that is formed in the stomach creates a physical barrier between carbohydrates and the digestive enzymes that break them down, thus slowing the conversion of carbohydrates into sugar. Cool right?

The texture of this drink is very different and I actually liked it alot. It contains a little fruit sugar but not enough to be concerned about. You can find more about Kombucha at http://www.synergydrinks.com/

3. Goldenberries: I picked these suckers up after watching a Doctor Oz show last month. They are kinda a mix between a cranberry and a raisin…kinda sweet and sour, with little seeds inside. Very different, actually pretty tasty. Goldenberries where originally cultivated thousands of years ago in the Incan Empire. The fruit is best noted for its high amounts of carotene and bioflavonoids (vitamin P) — nutrients which studies have shown to produce anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity (among many other benefits). Goldenberries are also an excellent source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and contain a good amount of dietary fiber and pectin. Unlike most fruits, Goldenberries also contain protein and phosphorous.

4. Goji Berries: You may or may not have heard of Goji Berries. They are known as the “Himalayan Superfruit”. You can even find Goji Berries in Shakeology! They are a good source of protein, antioxidants, essential amino acids, and over 20 vitamins and minerals — including vitamin A, C, and iron. I have even read that they help boost natural growth hormones. They are kinda soft and chewy and have a sweet/sour taste. Another fun new food to try!