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What Are the Benefits of Natural Foods?
Natural foods are real, unprocessed foods that are free from artificial preservatives, flavors, and colors. These foods are beneficial for overall health and are a great way to get necessary nutrition. There are plenty of benefits to eating natural foods, including helping to improve overall health and maintain a healthy weight. Here are a few benefits of eating natural foods:
- Nutritious: Natural foods are packed with nutritious benefits, such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other nutrients. Eating natural foods can help to provide your body with the nutrients it needs to stay healthy and function properly.
- Low in Calories: Natural foods tend to be lower in calories than processed foods and provide more nutrients per calorie. This makes them a great choice for those looking to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.
- Low in Added Sugars: Natural foods tend to have less added sugar than processed foods, which is important for maintaining a healthy blood sugar level and avoiding weight gain.
- High in Fiber: Natural foods typically contain more fiber than processed foods, which is important for digestion, stable blood sugar levels, and weight management.
- Sustainably-Sourced: Natural foods are often sourced from sustainable farms and can help to support local farmers and communities.
Tips for Eating Natural Foods
Eating natural foods is a great way to get the necessary vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients while avoiding unhealthy processed foods. Here are a few tips to help you get started with eating natural foods:
- Shop the Perimeter: When you go to the grocery store, try to stick to the perimeter and avoid the inner aisles, where the most heavily-processed foods usually are.
- Read Labels: Be sure to read labels carefully to ensure that the food you are buying is free from artificial ingredients and preservatives.
- Plan Ahead: To save time and energy, plan out your meals for the week ahead and make sure you have all the ingredients you need.
- Follow Seasonal Foods: Buy local, in-season produce when you can. Not only will your food taste better and be more nutritious, but you’ll save money too!
Healthy Natural Food Recipes
The possibilities are endless when it comes to creating delicious and healthy meals using natural ingredients. Here are a few of our favorite natural food recipes:
Breakfast
- Egg & Veggie Hash: Start your day by sautéing chopped vegetables with eggs for a filling and nutritious breakfast. Top with your favorite herbs and spices for extra flavor.
- Overnight Oats: Mix together oats, milk, and your favorite fruits, nuts, and spices and let them sit overnight. The oats will soak up the liquid and be ready to eat in the morning.
Lunch
- Quinoa Salad: Cook quinoa according to package instructions then combine with your favorite vegetables and top with an oil and vinegar dressing.
- Avocado Toast: Toast some whole-grain bread, then top with mashed avocado and whatever other toppings you desire. Perfect for a quick and easy lunch.
Dinner
- Veggie Stir Fry: Sauté your favorite veggies with a bit of oil, tamari, and your favorite spices for a delicious and nutritious dinner. Serve over rice or quinoa.
- Tempeh Tacos: Cook tempeh in a pan with your favorite taco seasonings and serve in tacos with homemade salsa and guacamole for a tasty plant-based dinner.
Conclusion
Eating natural foods can be beneficial for overall health and wellness. Not only are they packed with nutrients, but they are also typically lower in calories and added sugars. Eating natural foods is also a great way to support sustainable farms and local communities. Try incorporating natural foods into your diet with these tips, benefits and recipes and start eating naturally today!