Studies have shown that nearly half of women and a quarter of men have gained weight since stay-at-home orders were given for much of the country in late March due to the coronavirus threat.
Now that many communities are beginning to open up, along with it being more pleasant to go outside with the warm-weather months here, now is a great time to try and get back in the groove of healthy eating.
To help you along your journey, Hope Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing presents five of the healthiest foods you can eat.
- Spinach
There’s a reason spinach is referred to as a superfood – it has it all! Spinach is an excellent source of protein, vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and folate, which promotes heart health. Experts say that steaming it provides more benefits than eating it raw, as the steamed version makes it easier for the body to absorb the vitamins and minerals.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Don’t let their sweetness fool you; sun-dried tomatoes pack a healthy punch. Top a salad with these or just eat them as a snack, and you’ll get extra protein, fiber, and potassium, not to mention the antioxidant lycopene, which is abundant in tomatoes and has been proven to lower the risk of heart disease and several different cancers.
- Artichokes
Artichokes contain twice as much fiber as kale and is one of the most protein-rich vegetables. Boil it and dunk the leaves in some olive oil and balsamic vinaigrette, and you have a healthy, fresh appetizer.
- Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes have more potassium, fiber, and protein than a regular white potato, and it contains nearly 11 times the recommended daily intake of vitamin A. Want more good news? Sweet potatoes contain fewer calories than white potatoes as well!
- Spaghetti Squash
Replace your carb-rich refined white pasta with spaghetti squash and reap plenty of benefits. A cup only contains a fourth of the calories as plain pasts and it’s a great source of vitamin A and potassium.
To learn more about Hope Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing and all of the services they offer, visit http://hope-center.facilities.centershealthcare.org/.
