Foods that are Immune Boosters:
I personally love kale, spinach, chard, broccoli, radishes, tomatoes, red skin onion, sweet potato, pumpkin, red & yellow squash, cranberries, raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, blackberries. The list goes on and on. Even with veggies that I simply detest (like brussel sprouts), I try to find ways to disguise them and put them in my body. My body loves the nutrients and life’s more interesting this way.
Phytochemicals: What are they?
Phyto means plants. Chemicals are the naturally occurring vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and hundreds of other substances that science hasn’t even discovered yet. When vegetables and fruits are brightly colored, they pack powerful agents that deliver immune enhancing agents. This helps your body maintain balance and fight disease. We know that vitamins and minerals don’t work to their potential when they work by themselves in the body. When they are accompanied by broad spectrum phytochemicals, the body utilizes them more effectively. The kicker is, science is still discovering new phytochemicals everyday. For best health, eat a large variety of brightly colored fruits and veggies - the deeper the color, the more nutrient dense the phytochemical.
A Rule to Live By:
Pay careful attention to what you put into your body immediately following your workout. Remember the “Anatomy of Recovery” – your body is a proverbial sponge in that first 30-45 minutes following a workout. Many people hurt themselves physically, and slow down the ability to burn fat or gain muscle by not consuming a liquid meal during this time. The solution is to drink nutrient dense calories NOW and replenish what you have burned. Your body needs the natural glucose and fructose sugars from fruits to properly recover. Make every calorie count and make sure they are nutrient dense. You can do it with a green veggie shake and really boost your immunity! Because your body is a “sponge” at this time, the phytochemicals absorb quickly and helps you maintain good health.
EAT WELL!
Check back next week for Issue 3. Brought to you from our partners at PROJECT: PFC
No comments:
Post a Comment